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Quickie Breakaway Review – 2/28-3/6 (I loved it)

nycchic12

By nycchic12,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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nycchic12

nycchic12

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Posted (edited)

I just got off the Breakaway this morning so I wanted to write this while the memories were still fresh. This was a super last minute cruise because I desperately needed a vacation to just decompress after some stressful periods at work. I was on the BA back in January on the final CTN and enjoyed myself immensely so thought why not even though I hate the itinerary selection from NYC.

 

I initially booked a GTY Ocean View 2 weeks out from sailing and ended up upgrading to a GTY balcony when the price dropped. I was assigned a mi-ship family mini-suite two days before sailing. I was debating whether to call and upgrade myself to the Haven but I had a balcony cabin for a steal so I left it alone. I chose the SDP and internet since I’m not much of a drinker.

 

My boarding time was between 12:30p-1:00p so I arrived around 12:40p, waited in line about 20 minutes and then boarded the ship. Easy peasy. Dropped my bags off and then went to Savor for lunch. They seem to serve the same thing for lunch all week. Food was okay.

 

Our room was Deck 12, mid-ship with a balcony. Room Steward was Wesley who was FABULOUS! Room was super noisy during Splash Academy pick-up and drop-off times but otherwise I loved it. I ordered room service several times because I’m a really slate sleeper and it was fine each time. I could see how that $7.95 charge is annoying when room service used to be free.

 

As you all know by now, it was the Quebec school break so there were kids everywhere. I was across from Splash Academy and heard them in the mornings and evenings. The only place the kids were overwhelming were in the hot tubs. I don’t recall ever seeing a hot tub that wasn’t full of small children. Why are small children in hot tubs to begin with?

 

I went to “Rock of Ages” which I really enjoyed and the Cirque “Jungle Fantasy” which I also really enjoyed. “Howl at the Moon” was also incredibly fun. I also won in the casino. Shocking right?! I turned $50 into $1300 playing $.02 Quick Hit, Triple Diamond and Mr. Cashman. I gave back $300 on the last night of the cruise. The casino layout is bizarre to me. Why on Earth is the casino spread out on Deck 7 mid-ship? The smoke is unavoidable. Kids in casino chairs at 2am was not cute.

 

For the SDP I booked Le Bistro, Moderno, Cagney’s, and Ocean Blue. I’m sorry but I have no idea how Le Bistro gets such high ratings. The food was terrible. My daughter had the Dover Sole and I had Surf & Turf and the beef and lobster were absolutely inedible. Service was also extremely slow. It took us 75 minutes to receive our entrees. I was so annoyed that I kept track of the time.

 

Cagney’s was quite possibly the best steak I’ve had in my life. I had the Bone-in Ribeye. OMGAMAZING! I loved Moderno. I eat at Fogo de Chao often so the concept is identical. Ocean Blue was absolutely perfect and I highly, highly recommend it. I have to look at my pics to see what I ordered but everything I ate was magnificent. The food is reminiscent of Le Bernadin. Service at these three places was superb. Shangai Noodle Bar was a surprise sleeper hit for me. The Spicy Seafood Udon was DELICIOUS and spicy. This place was packed every single night. On the first sea day there was a two hour wait. We only ate in the MDR one night and it was okay. My daughter discovered that the buffet had a crepes station so she was there every night. I spent many late nights at O’Sheehan’s. Fajitas are excellent.

 

I went to Bliss once and the pool once. I played lots of mini bowling and air hockey. NCL internet is pitifully slow. The day I wanted to try the ropes course it was closed due to wind. This just means I have to board the BA again so I can zipline :)

I did not get off the ship at Port Canaveral. I loved Great Stirrup Cay but the water was a little too brisk to really enjoy swimming especially since the sun kept hiding. I got off the ship at Nassau but honestly, unless you’ve never been here you can skip it. I’ve been like 20 times. I took my daughter to the Slavery Museum right on Bay Street then we walked to Junkanoo Beach to the Tiki Bikini Hut, rented some chairs, ordered some lunch and got back on the ship after two hours because that water was cold!

 

I have dailies for all days except Day 2 or 3. I will try to get them up this week. I also have the excursion list for Florida & the Bahamas so I will get those up too. Any questions, please ask. I didn’t take many pics but as soon as I have some free time I will post them.

 

Let me add, every single person we met on the ship, both passenger and crew, were extremely friendly and happy. I really, really enjoyed my vacation and am seriously considering booking a Bermuda trip in May.

Edited by nycchic12
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HighVoltage#9

HighVoltage#9

Posted
Posted
I just got off the Breakaway this morning so I wanted to write this while the memories were still fresh. This was a super last minute cruise because I desperately needed a vacation to just decompress after some stressful periods at work. I was on the BA back in January on the final CTN and enjoyed myself immensely so thought why not even though I hate the itinerary selection from NYC.

 

I initially booked a GTY Ocean View 2 weeks out from sailing and ended up upgrading to a GTY balcony when the price dropped. I was assigned a mi-ship family mini-suite two days before sailing. I was debating whether to call and upgrade myself to the Haven but I had a balcony cabin for a steal so I left it alone. I chose the SDP and internet since I’m not much of a drinker.

 

My boarding time was between 12:30p-1:00p so I arrived around 12:40p, waited in line about 20 minutes and then boarded the ship. Easy peasy. Dropped my bags off and then went to Savor for lunch. They seem to serve the same thing for lunch all week. Food was okay.

 

Our room was Deck 12, mid-ship with a balcony. Room Steward was Wesley who was FABULOUS! Room was super noisy during Splash Academy pick-up and drop-off times but otherwise I loved it. I ordered room service several times because I’m a really slate sleeper and it was fine each time. I could see how that $7.95 charge is annoying when room service used to be free.

 

As you all know by now, it was the Quebec school break so there were kids everywhere. I was across from Splash Academy and heard them in the mornings and evenings. The only place the kids were overwhelming were in the hot tubs. I don’t recall ever seeing a hot tub that wasn’t full of small children. Why are small children in hot tubs to begin with?

 

I went to “Rock of Ages” which I really enjoyed and the Cirque “Jungle Fantasy” which I also really enjoyed. “Howl at the Moon” was also incredibly fun. I also won in the casino. Shocking right?! I turned $50 into $1300 playing $.02 Quick Hit, Triple Diamond and Mr. Cashman. I gave back $300 on the last night of the cruise. The casino layout is bizarre to me. Why on Earth is the casino spread out on Deck 7 mid-ship? The smoke is unavoidable. Kids in casino chairs at 2am was not cute.

 

For the SDP I booked Le Bistro, Moderno, Cagney’s, and Ocean Blue. I’m sorry but I have no idea how Le Bistro gets such high ratings. The food was terrible. My daughter had the Dover Sole and I had Surf & Turf and the beef and lobster were absolutely inedible. Service was also extremely slow. It took us 75 minutes to receive our entrees. I was so annoyed that I kept track of the time.

 

Cagney’s was quite possibly the best steak I’ve had in my life. I had the Bone-in Ribeye. OMGAMAZING! I loved Moderno. I eat at Fogo de Chao often so the concept is identical. Ocean Blue was absolutely perfect and I highly, highly recommend it. I have to look at my pics to see what I ordered but everything I ate was magnificent. The food is reminiscent of Le Bernadin. Service at these three places was superb. Shangai Noodle Bar was a surprise sleeper hit for me. The Spicy Seafood Udon was DELICIOUS and spicy. This place was packed every single night. On the first sea day there was a two hour wait. We only ate in the MDR one night and it was okay. My daughter discovered that the buffet had a crepes station so she was there every night. I spent many late nights at O’Sheehan’s. Fajitas are excellent.

 

I went to Bliss once and the pool once. I played lots of mini bowling and air hockey. NCL internet is pitifully slow. The day I wanted to try the ropes course it was closed due to wind. This just means I have to board the BA again so I can zipline :)

I did not get off the ship at Port Canaveral. I loved Great Stirrup Cay but the water was a little too brisk to really enjoy swimming especially since the sun kept hiding. I got off the ship at Nassau but honestly, unless you’ve never been here you can skip it. I’ve been like 20 times. I took my daughter to the Slavery Museum right on Bay Street then we walked to Junkanoo Beach to the Tiki Bikini Hut, rented some chairs, ordered some lunch and got back on the ship after two hours because that water was cold!

 

I have dailies for all days except Day 2 or 3. I will try to get them up this week. I also have the excursion list for Florida & the Bahamas so I will get those up too. Any questions, please ask. I didn’t take many pics but as soon as I have some free time I will post them.

 

Let me add, every single person we met on the ship, both passenger and crew, were extremely friendly and happy. I really, really enjoyed my vacation and am seriously considering booking a Bermuda trip in May.

 

Glad to hear you enjoyed the cruise. If you haven't been to Bermuda you will love it.Just be careful of the man- o- wars in the water in May. I'm on the Breakaway again in 2 weeks and like you I am not a fan of this itinerary, but got a great deal while son and daughter are both on spring break at the same time this year.

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nycchic12

nycchic12

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I was on this sailing also, and I had amazing time!! Food was great!

 

I was a little nervous reading all of the reviews but it was a really great time. Glad you felt this way too.

 

Thanks, sounds great! Can't wait, leaving in 21 days!

 

If you have any specific questions please let me know and remind me to post the dailies. I get lazy :)

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nycchic12

nycchic12

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Glad to hear you enjoyed the cruise. If you haven't been to Bermuda you will love it.Just be careful of the man- o- wars in the water in May. I'm on the Breakaway again in 2 weeks and like you I am not a fan of this itinerary, but got a great deal while son and daughter are both on spring break at the same time this year.

 

Love Bermuda. I've been in late May and June on land-based vacations. Thanks for the tip. Having the kids on break at the same time is great - how could you not book? The ship is lots of fun which more than makes up for the boring itinerary. If I get another deal with the SDP and internet then I'm definitely going.

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  • 4 weeks later...
JustCRuSIN37

JustCRuSIN37

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We were on the same trip! GSC was awesome and I was so excited that we were actually able to get off the ship and go there! We were also at Junkanoo beach, at the tiki bikini hut. What I liked best about that was the price! Nice way to relax without having to spend a lot of money! Glad you loved your trip, we did too :)

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amydandrea

amydandrea

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I was on the same cruise, had a great relaxing time! Lots and lots of children as it was a school break in Canada. It's a great ship and super staff, I've done the itinerary several times so I agree, it's not exciting, but the ship, shows, staff etc make it a great experience.

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