AA Review and My Thoughts On The Breeze - 12/6-14

[GulfCoaster]

Hello All!

 

We are back from our 12/6-14/2014 8 day Eastern on The Breeze. I will have to do this in a few parts. I will give my thoughts and a review and if you have any questions I can answer I will do my best....

 

We flew into FLL on Thursday and transported to the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami for a 2 night stay. The hotel is very, very nice. Many nice touches and room was great. We used points and stayed on the Concierge floor. It was worth it.

 

On our first night it started raining as we were driving to the hotel and it kept up so we decided to eat at DB Bistro in the hotel. This is Daniel Boulud's restaurant and can be expensive. We went during Happy Hour and it was great and very do-able price wise. We were able to take advantage of the special pricing during this time for drinks and food The bar area is very hip and they had a DJ playing music. A few martini's later and some great snacks and we were set and happy and all was right with the world.

 

The next morning the weather had cleared and I went on the 2 bottle wine search. While CVS is close to were we were staying and has an OK selection, the Publix, located not to far from where we stayed is the way to go. They have a great selection of wines and champagne that will please any palate and of course being a supermarket you can pick up some goodies to take with you if you so desire. The store is located in Mary Brickell Village which was about a mile (maybe less) from where we stayed. The complex has restaurants and other stores as well. I purchased my 2 bottles of wine and a few other things and walked back to the hotel.

 

Saturday morning came and we are so ready to get on the ship. Cab ride over was $15.00 flat. We left the hotel around 10:30 AM and the driver took the tunnel and there we were and there she was. The Breeze is a beautiful ship and my wife and I were pretty excited at this point. We were FTTF and all you have to do is go around the corner of the north side of the building (or to the left if you are looking straight at the complex) and give your bags to the porter. There will be signage to direct you. Look for the FTTF logo. They put an orange luggage tag around the handle. The man checking the bags was very funny and very nice. We tipped him and went inside of the building. They checked our docs and then we went right to security. They wanted to "check" our 2 carry on bags as they want to "see" something (as it was explained to me). No issues or worry because my wife and I had nothing in our carry on except 1 bottle of wine each plus a bag of crackers that I like and several small bottles of Pellegrino Water I got from the hotel floor. The individual checking the bags opens them up and there is the wine and she starts freaking out - "there's a bottle in here! It's wine or liquor or something else!" She calls for a supervisor who comes over and she looks and says "it's wine!" Then the two of them have a discussion of what to do and then I guess another supervisor comes over and the now they are all discussing this and she tells the other two security personnel that wine is OK and takes the bottles out and looks at them both and everybody calms down and they say that we can proceed onward. I tried to make a joke about my wine selection which fell flat so we zipped up the bag and off we went. The amazing thing is that out of 3 security guards - nobody questioned the small bottles of Pellegrino (I had 8 of them in one carry on). They were only interested in the 2 big bottles.

Edited December 16, 2014 by GulfCoaster

[Bandet]

Ill be on this cruise in about 6 months cant wait to read the rest.

 

 

thanks

[GulfCoaster]

So we are now in the terminal we show our FTTF boarding pass and the Carnival rep sends us to the line on the left where there are many people waiting to check in. There is another line to the right with just a few people in it. We wait for a bit and the line is moving nowhere. I get out of line and ask a different rep if I was standing in the right line for FTTF. She says that we were not and that I SHOULD HAVE gone to the right. Well, no harm done and no assistance getting out of line so we release the queue guide, stepped out of line, replaced it and went into the other line. We had about a 5 minute wait and then we were able to finish check in. The Carnival rep was training the individual that was helping with us and since we had already done online check-in weeks ago we were all set. The rep that was doing the training said that there were many guests who had not done online check-in and that was why the lines were moving so slow. She was super nice and very friendly. We were issued our Sail & Sign cards (we made Gold) wished a Happy Holiday and then told to basically hang out until we heard the call for FTTF.

 

Around 11:30 AM they started boarding. We were planning on meeting friends that we had cruised with before who are Platinum and were waiting in a different area downstairs. We soon saw them coming along. We waved and exchanged quick hugs and they got back in their group and continued on. We waited just a few minutes more and then they called FTTF and we were off. We showed our cards to a Carnival rep and they let us go into a short queue for pictures and then up an escalator down the carpeted walkway which overlooks the terminal (the terminal was now super crowded) and onto the ramp to enter the ship. All I can say is that it is a sort of organized madhouse and just be ready to go when they call your zone. We entered the ship and we were being directed to go up to 10 Lido Deck and have lunch. I knew from the CC boards that with FTTF to go right to our cabin.....Ah, our cabin...!

 

We had a Cove Balcony #2325. You board the ship on 3 so it is an easy walk down the stairs to the second floor. We turned the corner off the stairs to "Odd" then down the hall a bit and we are at our cabin and our luggage is sitting right there waiting for us!! Yeah!! At that point and considering the crowds in the terminal, for us we had made the right choice booking FTTF.

 

I would like to say that the Cove was terrible and nobody should ever consider booking it and by doing that maybe Carnival will keep the pricing low for this particular cabin. I wish I could say that...but I can't! A Cove Balcony cabin is absolutely AWESOME!! All the good reviews and everything I had read on this board regarding this type of cabin were right! I was so glad we booked it. We wanted a suite (this was a special trip) but from all the reviews I read we went with the Cove. I am sure glad we did. The cabin is great! I just can't say enough about it. True, you do not get a lot of sun (for us that is fine) in this cabin and yes the lifeboats are above you but they really do not really get in the way. Being so close to the water is just super. If a Cove Balcony is offered on another ship, that will be my only choice of cabin - it is that grand! If you are considering one - take it. Just make sure that you are not under the Galley as you could experience noise from above. In the cabin we booked we did experience some noise from above but only for 2 nights and it lasted maybe 30 minutes or so and then all was quiet again. The sound of the sea hitting the superstructure of the ship was really all we heard and can be a bit loud at times but that sound (for us at least) was music. Just go for it!

 

So we have our luggage and now we are completely unpacked. We step out of the cabin and meet our Steward (I think he was our Steward. We never saw him or anybody who might have been taking care of the cabin again) and head up to the Lido and Guy's Burger Joint.

[CatgirlNC]

When I saw the "AA Review" in the title, I wondered if it meant you were going to give perspective on the cruise as a "Friend of Bill", but after all the stories about martinis and wine, I quickly realized that wasn't the case. :p

[legion3]

Where did FTTF wait?

[GulfCoaster]

Yeah, sorry about the header. I double punched the A key and went back to try and correct it with no luck. I must proof a tad better before I submit. Again sorry for any confusion...

 

So we are now up on 10 and the Lido deck. I thought that being on Deck 2 would lead to all sorts of waits for elevators and congestion but it really was a great location especially when we came into a port. We would just walk down two flights and we were off the ship.

 

Anyway I wanted to try Guy's Burger Joint and the line was real long. So we went inside and then met our friends we were going to be cruising with. The lines were long for everything and as other members of this board have said, the floor is very slippery so be careful when walking inside. My wife and our friends got some salad and I still wanted a Guy's Burger so out to the line I went.

 

Here is a hint...If you want to try Guy's, there are 2 lines. The line is very long on the right, but if you go to the left it's not bad at all! I waited a few minutes and got up to the grill area where they took my order, asked if I wanted fries and I was all set. They have a great condiment bar which has all sorts of goodies on it including grilled onions, bacon, mushrooms and all sorts of other stuff to add to your burger. IMHO the burger is really good. If you live in the Los Angeles area (as I used to) you may have gone to Fatburger (we used to have one in NOLA but they did not come back after Kartina hit). If you have been to Fatburger you will really like Guy's! I mean, what's so bad about a 2,200+ calorie gut blaster, not counting the fries?!? Nothing in moderation. Yeah, I keep telling myself that.

 

Muster drill time. We go back to the cabin and our location was the Sapphire Dining Room. You do not have to bring your lifejackets. You must attend the drill and it goes quickly. If your station is a dining room, do yourself a favor and grab yourself a place to sit at a table close to the entrance of the dining room. Even if you take a seat at a big table (don't worry, others will be joining you and you may have a chance to meet some nice people) if it is close to the door, grab it. Many folks were going towards the middle of the dining room to sit. Again, take a seat close to the entrance. When they give the signal that the drill is over you will be the first ones out and it does get a bit congested upon exit.

 

So we are out of the drill, down one flight to our cabin, we pick up some Mardi Gras beads I brough with for a CC meet and greet at the "Pub". I realized the minute I got there that I had picked the wrong location for a sail away get together and toast. The pub is great but all the action for sail away is on deck 10. We waited for a bit inside by the bar and as it appeared that this might not happen (which was cool - no worries) the bar staff and I had a bead toss with each other which was fun and we thought we would just go up to deck 10 and join in the fun there. If anybody went to the Pub and didn't see us, I am sorry we missed you but we were knew we would see everyone the next day for the Cabin Crawl and as it looked, it all worked out the way it should have. Again, I am sorry if anybody came there to meet and we did not hook up.

 

We had early seating in the Blush Dining Room which is totally aft. It took us 2 days of being on the ship to get our bearings but once we did and once you do, getting around is easy. Deck 5 or Deck 4 will take you totally forward or aft - it just took us 2 days to figure that out. Anyway, we had a 4 Top table by a window (which I never have understood the importance of wanting a window table - as you really can't see anything at night). Now this 4 Top was alongside another 4 top so in reality it was an 8 top with a 6" space between the tables. The table was also next to a wall so while it was a bit private, you had no connection to the dining room and what was going on. The staff appeared to be having trouble on this first night and there was much confusion during service - wrong food served, wine not being opened, nobody sure of what went where, who did what etc. OK, things happen, however, the sad thing was the food. I thought it was terrible. And I wasn't alone in my thoughts as we heard many complaints outside the dining room and during the cruise. On the second night (which was casual elegant) it wasn't any better. A razor thing of a piece of something they called Prime Rib with no condiments to cover up the blah taste was served. Sorry, it was bad and again we were not the only ones sharing this opinion during the cruise. My wife and I had reservations for the Chef's Table and thinking that this was an example of what was instore for that event so we cancelled - which I should not have done. We were also booked into the Steakhouse and the Italian restaurants which we did not cancel but almost did as well. I am so glad I didn't, because they were both spectacular! Anyway, since it was now casual elegant night we dressed up a bit. Not in a tux but we did dress. What was surprising was the way that many others were dressed for this night. We saw t-shirts, ball caps cover-ups, shorts and all were admitted.

 

Yes I know it is everybody's vacation and everyone should be free to dress the way they feel comfotable. But if there is supposed to be a suggested dress for the evening then it would be cool if the cruiseline enforced it. Oh well, that's the way it goes and there is no reason to let that ruin your evening. I am just mentioning it because I have seen numerous post on this issue and thought I would just say what I saw. Nothing was being enforced dress code wise...

 

In Part 4 I will write about the Ports, the alternative restaurants (both were just super - if you are thinking of booking the Steakhouse - book it! Don't wait, it books up fast) and the Coast Guard rescue off the ship while at sea!

[GulfCoaster]

Where did FTTF wait?

 

For this cruise it appeard that FTTF all hung out by the restrooms and the glass enclosed area which houses the escalator that takes you up to the mezzanine level for your walk to the gangway overlooking the entire check-in area.

 

Where we were waiting you will see the escort for the Diamond and Platnium guests and they will go right by you. FTTF should then be called and you will fall in behind them.

[Pappy64]

Did you make use of any of the wifi services?

[jtr2d2]

Great review, looking forward to the rest! Thanks for taking the time to write this up.

[GulfCoaster]

My wife said to hurry up as the running time of this review is starting to take on the length of the movie Titanic! So I will do my best....But first I have to mention the following...

 

We were part of a Cruise Critic Cabin Crawl on the second day. Props and a big round of applause to the event and to everybody involved! What a fun and wonderful time. A lot of work went into making it the success it was and I hope to be a part of another one some day! Thank you all!

 

Anyway...The weather decided to not cooperate and it rained on the second day and the seas were choppy and we were all rockin' and rollin' a bit. We saw many people not feeling too good and we even felt a bit of it at as well once or twice. The water was hitting the superstructure of the ship pretty hard and being in a Cove you could really hear it and see it. It was announced that the next day would be better (Grand Turk) so we all just rode it out (like we had a choice) and the next day the weather was fine.

 

We leave the ship and hang out at Margaritaville for a bit and then myself, my wife and our traveling partners set out on adventure to walk...yes I said walk to a hotel to sit at their outside bar and have a few drinks and then lunch. The hotel was The Osprey and it was very nice (once we got there). The walk was long but fun (we missed a turn) and a dog, 2 schoolgirls and a policeman tried to help us get our bearings but we forged ahead anyway. We eventually got there and it was worth all the trials we went through and jokes being said between us in our attempt to reach our destination. Let's just say there were not many tourists where we were walking and that If you decide to venture out and go there...take a cab. If you go, say hello to Ivy who will take good care of you. Don't miss their Key Lime Pie! The beach the hotel sits on is just gorgeous and I could have stayed there and simply missed the ship. Another Caribe beer please....

 

The people we met on our "incredible journey" were very nice and I really liked the island. However, make sure you bring mosquito repellent with you on the cruise and use it before you go out to explore any of the ports. We had it and used it and the bugs were still feasting away on us as if they were up on Lido Deck having lunch. It was that bad and even with 98% deet sprayed all over, the critters were still having their way with us.

 

That night we were scheduled to eat at Cucina Del Capitano and it was wonderful. We did not go for lunch (which we had heard was not that great during lunch and that the entrees were cold) but we went for dinner and it was super! Do not miss their Meatballs and Calamari. I had the Chicken Parmesan. It was all very, very good and worth the $15.00 cover. In addition to the cover, we gave our waitress a cash tip at the end of the meal which was very appreciated. Great service and great food and a nice atmosphere. I would go back in a heartbeat if I had the chance.

 

The next port was Puerto Rico: I always love this stop and there is always a lot of walking that needs to be done to see the sights so here is a hint that we got from another CC member who we met on the Cabin Crawl. There is a tram that will take you around Old San Juan and to both of the Forts. It is free! You can tip if you would like but the ride is free. While we saw people walking and trudging up to the entrance of the Fort the tram will take you right up to the same entrance and drop you. No walking up a long upgrade and road.

 

You can hop on hop off along the entire route as much as you like, as long as there is room on the tram. What a way to go!! My wife and I got off at one of the stops that put us almost in the center of Old San Juan. We walked around and did some shopping. Dooney & Bourke as well as Coach both have outlets in this area and they are right across the street from each other. So with the credit card nicely charged up and new purses in a bag, we then went looking for a bite to eat. We ended up at Gringos Caribbean Cantina, where everyone was super friendly to us (they have another one of these in St. Thomas as well).

 

We had some chips and salsa and a couple of Pain Killers (awesome) to drink and then decided to go back to the ship to rest a bit, let the Pain Killers subside and then change for dinner at a restaurant very close to the ship called El Toro Salao. We had reservations at 6:30 PM. The ship is on EST and Puerto Rico is an hour ahead of that. So we had a bit of confusion with the times but all worked out. This restaurant is a Tapas place and the food is really good. The house specialty's is Sangria and they make a killer one and if you like French Fries all I can say is wow! Garlic, smokey paprika, a little sea salt...heaven! If the weather is cooperating, try and snag an outside table. Very romantic. So we pay the bill and walk back to the ship and end a perfect day and evening in San Juan, Puerto Rico and I just know that by now I have gained 5 pounds!

[GulfCoaster]

Did you make use of any of the wifi services?

 

No we didn't but our traveling companions did and they said it was worth it and it worked just fine.

[Sherryleea]

Don't listen to your wife! I love all the details! :)

 

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Forums mobile app

[rob6465]

I live in houston and have never cruised outside of galveston. I was also born in Puerto Rico and debating between cruising from san juan or from Florida with a stop in san juan. KEEP UP THE REVIEW !! Were you offered Coquito(puertorican egg nog) in san juan?:D:D:D

[GulfCoaster]

I live in houston and have never cruised outside of galveston. I was also born in Puerto Rico and debating between cruising from san juan or from Florida with a stop in san juan. KEEP UP THE REVIEW !! Were you offered Coquito(puertorican egg nog) in san juan?:D:D:D

 

No, I wish I had been. That would have been great. However, The Pain Killers at Gringo's did offer their own sort of Holiday cheer!

[GulfCoaster]

We sailed from San Juan and then the ship stopped as we had a medical emergency. (I hope that they and everybody involved are now OK because there would be a few more on the horizon). We eventually got underway and headed to St. Maarten. This is one of our favorite ports and all was fine. We headed to the French side and here is an interesting way to get there. Cross over Front Street and you will see the outdoor shopping stalls walk past them and when you come to the corner stop. Look for the vans that say "bus" on them and for 2 dollars you will be taken to the other side of the island. The bus we rode was hot, and real funky but was a blast and the driver was very cool and kinda gave us a tour, pointing out the new bridge and some of the sites along the way. A small tip is appreciated. Traffic has bad and it took over an hour to get there (including stops) but we did get there. You have to walk about two blocks when you leave the bus to get to the center square but that was no issue. We had something to eat, did some shopping then walked back up to the main road waited a few minutes and along comes another bus. We waved the driver down, got on and back to the Dutch side for another 2 bucks a head we go. The driver was having trouble with the bus door so we all helped him close it when he had a drop off or pick up. Again, hot, funky but a lot of fun. Going back to the Dutch side took around 40 minutes and we were right back were we started our journey. Very cool....

 

That night we had reservations for the Steakhouse. It was pretty spectacular and I highly recommend it. Had drinks at the bar first, then we were seated at our table and everything was top notch. The Chef came out and introduced himself to the guests and made sure we were all happy. If you can secure a reservation ahead of time - do it.

 

The next day was St. Thomas and we did the usual for us which is shopping and looking around. Stopped by Gladys' Cafe then stumbled into another Gringo's Caribbean Cantina and had a ball talking with the staff and having more Pain Killers. We did have a morning shore excursion planned but they cancelled it and moved the time to early afternoon. That would not work so we cancelled it and were refunded.

 

We decided to walk back to the ship and went through another shopping area where many of the yacht's are docked. We went into a shop called How Bout Your Pet and got some island goodies for our fur kid back home. Very friendly and cool store. The walk back was not bad at all and with the weight I was starting to gain - a nice diversion.

 

That night we were back in the dining room and the food was actually a bit better as we began the trip back to Miami.

 

The next day was a sea day and Fat Jimmy's. Get there early as the line gets very long for it. The BBQ is good and we enjoyed it. If you go ,I hope you will as well.

 

I will wrap this all up in the next and final part....