Breakaway to Bermuda 4/24-5/1/16 thoughts

[kingbobyjr]

Hi all...

 

Just got back from my first cruise ever. :) We sailed on the Breakaway to Bermuda from 4/24 to 5/1. Just thought I would give some thoughts about our experiences.

 

Some highlights...

 

Cagney's was absolutely fantastic. This was easily the best of the restaurants we tried. My party of 7 all agreed...even going so far as to say we would eat at this if it was located in our hometowns. The only downside was someone got the onion rings and they were just...meh.

 

Teppanyaki was also really good and Eric, our chef/entertainer was really great. The sake there was delicious!!!

 

O'Sheehan's bartenders were fantastic. One in particular, Arnold, was excellent. We loved how he would remember us by name, our drinks of choice, and our nicknames we give each other. The shouts of KingBob (my nickname) rang out through the entire cruise. And after the first day, we were allowed to get a beer and a shot at the same time on the UBP. Good times!!! :)

 

Rock Of Ages...loved it. I'm a huge fan of that particular music genre and dug every minute of it. If you are easily offended, stay away as the dialogue is quite raunchy. This is not a show for kids although there were quite a few in attendance.

 

Howl At The Moon was great too. We saw this multiple times and it never got old. It gets better once they enter the adult portion of the show.

 

Fat Cats was nice place to hang out and Big Poppa and his band were excellent. Me & my buddy met him dining alone at 1:30 am at O'Sheehan's and had a really nice conversation with him. Very nice guy.

 

The Waterfront was a great place to go to escape the crowds. We never had issues finding chairs and relaxing.

 

Some downsides...

 

Moderno, ahh Moderno. We so looked forward to this churrascaria and were we disappointed. The meats were so-so and the service was very slow. I honestly thought the salad bar here was better then the meats. Texas De Brazil does this much better. The lunch buffet one day had Bavarian food and that was pretty good. But for dinner....never again.

 

Disembarking was madness, pure and simple. We chose to self-assist figuring it would be quicker. Boy were we wrong. I believe we got up to deck 7 at 7:45 am the last day and were through customs and back to our parked car at about 9:30 am or so. NCL really needs to have staff at the stairs and elevators to try and organize the mass exodus.

 

The pool was very disappointing, very small, crowded, and the music was really loud. Not relaxing at all.

 

It would have been nice if there was somewhere on the ship to get the ferry and bus schedules for Bermuda. We didn't seem to be able to find them until after we got off of the ship and to the dockyard. it would have saved us quite a bit of headaches in planning getting around Bermuda.

 

And overall...

 

All in all, we all thoroughly enjoyed the cruise. I know we will be back!!! I was worried never being on a cruise that I would get seasick, so much so I wore Sea Bands (had Bonine for a backup) on the trip down. Coming back I took them off and didn't have any issues, even on Saturday when it was rocking and rolling.

 

Any questions feel free to ask. I will do my best to answer.

 

Washy washy, happy happy!!! :)

[djmcwilliams106]

Thanks for the review. I have been trolling the boards for 2 months now since I booked. Hubby and I are traveling on 5/29. We are so worried as this is our first NCL cruise. We are longtime CCLers. Anyway, I have a ton of questions, feel free to answer as little or as much as you like. Just trying to get a feel for what to expect.

 

1. Leaving from NYC in early May what was that like, what do you guy do for 3 days down to BDA? I know it is too cold for pool and such.

 

2. We are considering spa passes and vibe cabana. I doubt the weather will be much different in a few weeks. Were you able to check out VIBE? IYO would we be wasting $?

 

3. How was weather in BDA? concerned we won't be able to beach much.

 

4. Did you save the dailies and if so are you able to share?

 

Any additional feedback would be helpful.

 

Thanks

[Sizzlechest]

It would have been nice if there was somewhere on the ship to get the ferry and bus schedules for Bermuda. We didn't seem to be able to find them until after we got off of the ship and to the dockyard. it would have saved us quite a bit of headaches in planning getting around Bermuda.

 

This is a good point. It would be great if they added a single sheet of paper in the daily on the night before the first port day with information like this. Ferry times, taxis, the gazebo, etc. They do include some info about some things, but they don't mention the options that may cause you NOT to take an NCL excursion. I was able to plan a whole day of stuff to do on my own, but it took preparation. No way I could have done it on a whim. It was also easier because it wasn't my first time in Bermuda, so I knew about the gazebo, buses, the fact that everyone takes US currency, the existence of regulated taxis, etc.

[npater]

Could you post the dailies

[KweezyCruiser]

 

It would have been nice if there was somewhere on the ship to get the ferry and bus schedules for Bermuda. We didn't seem to be able to find them until after we got off of the ship and to the dockyard. it would have saved us quite a bit of headaches in planning getting around Bermuda.

 

You have to remember that this was the first Bermuda cruise of the season. They hadn't yet been to the port to pick them up. I think they will have the schedules from now on. I got mine off the internet before we left and I think the "shopping consultant", who gave a talk on Tuesday, had the info this way, as well.

[Samtay]

Considering this cruise...thanks for posting.

[kingbobyjr]

1. Leaving from NYC in early May what was that like, what do you guy do for 3 days down to BDA? I know it is too cold for pool and such.

 

On the first day it was windy and chilly. We still went up top enjoy the NYC skyline & the view from underneath the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Bring a windbreaker or sweatshirt/fleece jacket with a hood. I don't recall anyone in the pool on that first day.

 

The 2nd and 3rd days were shorts for me, the weather was much nicer. Plenty of people were in the pools and hot tubs. We played shuffleboard, lounged up top, had drinks, ate food, had more drinks, played mini golf, had even more drinks...basically relaxing. :)

 

2. We are considering spa passes and vibe cabana. I doubt the weather will be much different in a few weeks. Were you able to check out VIBE? IYO would we be wasting $?

 

Didn't get to check out VIBE. :(

 

3. How was weather in BDA? concerned we won't be able to beach much.

 

The weather in BDA was in the low to mid 70's. It felt a bit hotter than that...maybe the humidity? We had some rain early on Thursday and near noon on Friday but it wasn't a washout. We went to Horseshoe Bay Beach on Friday, got there at 9:30 am and went right into the water. A bit cool at first but we got used to it right away. I spent most of time there in the water...my wife calls me a water rat!!! :)

 

4. Did you save the dailies and if so are you able to share?

 

Here is where I'm a Cruise Critic noob...what are dailies???

[kingbobyjr]

Could you post the dailies

 

Are the dailies the sheet you get everyday describing activities? If so...sorry...I didn't keep them.

[kingbobyjr]

A few other things I thought of...

 

Bring a power strip if you have more than 2 things to plug in.

 

Bring a rewards card (Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, etc...) to place in the slot in the room to power the lights. We left it in there all trip long. I had a friend who didn't do this and left his key in the slot twice locking himself out.

 

It would be nice if NCL could give you a 3-day weather forecast on Tuesday for the days in Bermuda. Maybe in the Atrium? I had my phone in airplane mode (wasn't paying Verizon roaming data charges) so it was a bit hard to plan what day we wanted to go to the beach. A bit of a nitpick since the weather for the day on the sheet they gave you each day.

 

Take less clothes than you THINK you need, I took way too many. Probably had enough for a two week cruise. :)

[Sizzlechest]

Bring a power strip if you have more than 2 things to plug in.

 

This is better than a power strip if you truly need 120v: http://amzn.to/26RgL2K

 

People have said that having a surge suppressor is an electrical hazard on a cruise ship. Also, you have more freedom using one of these.

 

If all your devices are USB powered, get one of these:

 

http://amzn.to/1Uxflp9

 

Much smaller and works great. If your kids have a game system like a DS or 3DS, you can get USB cords for it, too.

[djmcwilliams106]

Thanks for all the insight kingbobyjr. Really looking forward to this trip. We plan on this being a relaxing (drinking) cruise as well considering it was unexpected. Earned a comp from the casino. Nice to hear feedback from a non Haven experience. Was starting to doubt my enjoyment the way everyone raves about the haven.

[esm54687]

Thanks KingBob! Great review....

 

Did you see or hear about any issues or problems with the new Bermuda Travel Policy (less buses, more of a push to private cabs, etc)? My wife and I were there June 2015 and found many of the cabs not wanting to take regular fares (point A to point B) and were pushing for Island Tour Fares. They were also near impossible to find when you were at a location (say The Caves) and required a ride back to the dock...

 

http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20160415/visitors-frustrated-by-transport-policy

 

Also, for those going to Bermuda the first time, this is a very good site for info:

 

http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/

Edited May 4, 2016 by esm54687

[esm54687]

Thanks for all the insight kingbobyjr. Really looking forward to this trip. We plan on this being a relaxing (drinking) cruise as well considering it was unexpected. Earned a comp from the casino. Nice to hear feedback from a non Haven experience. Was starting to doubt my enjoyment the way everyone raves about the haven.

 

Do not worry at all... my wife and I have travelled on two casino comps and have two more scheduled. 3 have or will be Inside... you will have a GREAT time.

 

Don't forget when you check in to request your "Casino VIP" boarding pass (it usually says "Casino" or "CAS" on it - the numbered ones are general boarding). Manhattan Cruise Terminal has a dedicated Casino at Sea check in. This boarding pass will get you on board typically right after the Haven \ Suite people!!!

 

And since you are on a casino comp, it is safe to say you will be visiting the casino.... while docked in Bermuda, the casino is open from 9pm - 5am

Edited May 4, 2016 by esm54687

[Clarea]

Appreciate the feedback.

[kingbobyjr]

Thanks KingBob! Great review....

 

Did you see or hear about any issues or problems with the new Bermuda Travel Policy (less buses, more of a push to private cabs, etc)? My wife and I were there June 2015 and found many of the cabs not wanting to take regular fares (point A to point B) and were pushing for Island Tour Fares. They were also near impossible to find when you were at a location (say The Caves) and required a ride back to the dock...

 

http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20160415/visitors-frustrated-by-transport-policy

 

Also, for those going to Bermuda the first time, this is a very good site for info:

 

http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/

 

We did not have issues but this was our first time in Bermuda so I didn't have any expectations. We bought a 2 day bus/ferry pass for $31 (a 1 day is $19) at the dockyard and used that for days 1 & 2. We got off the buses numerous times and used the ferry from Hamilton coming back in the evening.

 

Day 3 we were just going to Horseshoe Bay Beach so we opted for the mini bus which was $7 a person one way. You could provide them a pickup time for the return trip or they will give you a card to call them when you are ready to go back. One thing we liked about that option was when we were ready to depart from the beach, we didn't have to get in the growing line for cabs, we just looked for our minibus.

 

Although I will say we heard from one other cruiser that he had heard of a couple that payed a large amount of $$$ for a taxi to get to Crystal Caves.

[kingbobyjr]

Thanks for all the insight kingbobyjr. Really looking forward to this trip. We plan on this being a relaxing (drinking) cruise as well considering it was unexpected. Earned a comp from the casino. Nice to hear feedback from a non Haven experience. Was starting to doubt my enjoyment the way everyone raves about the haven.

 

You are welcome!!! Enjoy it!!! :)

[peg013]

Thanks KingBob! Great review....

 

Did you see or hear about any issues or problems with the new Bermuda Travel Policy (less buses, more of a push to private cabs, etc)? My wife and I were there June 2015 and found many of the cabs not wanting to take regular fares (point A to point B) and were pushing for Island Tour Fares. They were also near impossible to find when you were at a location (say The Caves) and required a ride back to the dock...

 

http://www.royalgazette.com/news/article/20160415/visitors-frustrated-by-transport-policy

 

 

No worries - the policy has already been reversed.....

 

http://www.royalgazette.com/tourism/article/20160503/transport-policy-reversed-as-anthem-docks

[Linda the Book Lover]

Thanks for your review on the Breakaway. We are planning a trip next year on her and I am reading all of the ship reviews.

[FranknBeans]

Moderno, ahh Moderno. We so looked forward to this churrascaria and were we disappointed. The meats were so-so and the service was very slow. I honestly thought the salad bar here was better then the meats. Texas De Brazil does this much better. The lunch buffet one day had Bavarian food and that was pretty good. But for dinner....never again.

 

For us Moderno price is worth it just for the salad bar and yes you cn have the over salted meat.

[esm54687]

No worries - the policy has already been reversed.....

 

http://www.royalgazette.com/tourism/article/20160503/transport-policy-reversed-as-anthem-docks

 

Thats awesome news!!!

 

Thanks

[Seany527]

Which nights are...

 

80's deck party

GLOW

Norwegian's Night Out

 

Thanks :)

[djmcwilliams106]

Do not worry at all... my wife and I have travelled on two casino comps and have two more scheduled. 3 have or will be Inside... you will have a GREAT time.

 

Don't forget when you check in to request your "Casino VIP" boarding pass (it usually says "Casino" or "CAS" on it - the numbered ones are general boarding). Manhattan Cruise Terminal has a dedicated Casino at Sea check in. This boarding pass will get you on board typically right after the Haven \ Suite people!!!

 

And since you are on a casino comp, it is safe to say you will be visiting the casino.... while docked in Bermuda, the casino is open from 9pm - 5am

 

 

Thanks for the confidence boost. And the insight of asking for casino boarding pass. If we aren't lucky enough for upsell we would like to try to get vibe cabana with the priority boarding our chances will be better. And yes I will be visiting casino. Started saving my "change" n

[Seany527]

 

Day 3 we were just going to Horseshoe Bay Beach so we opted for the mini bus which was $7 a person one way.

 

 

Did they take paper money or did you have to use coins?

[spazzy216]

Thanks for the review. I have been trolling the boards for 2 months now since I booked. Hubby and I are traveling on 5/29. We are so worried as this is our first NCL cruise. We are longtime CCLers. Anyway, I have a ton of questions, feel free to answer as little or as much as you like. Just trying to get a feel for what to expect.

 

1. Leaving from NYC in early May what was that like, what do you guy do for 3 days down to BDA? I know it is too cold for pool and such.

 

2. We are considering spa passes and vibe cabana. I doubt the weather will be much different in a few weeks. Were you able to check out VIBE? IYO would we be wasting $?

 

3. How was weather in BDA? concerned we won't be able to beach much.

 

4. Did you save the dailies and if so are you able to share?

 

Any additional feedback would be helpful.

 

Thanks

 

We were on this cruise as well and are actually doing it the same time next year for our 1 year wedding anniversary. I was concerned about it not being warm enough as well but to me other than a few rain showers in Bermuda the weather was perfect. The First sea day was a bit chilly and the last sea day was chilly and bumpy!!! We did the spa passes and I would def do it again! So relaxing and great to have the option on rainy days/cold weather. As for Bermuda we went to horseshoe the first day and it was perfect weather to just relax in the sun. Not swimming weather for me but there were some ppl in the water. The second day we went to snorkel beach for nephew once the weather cleared up and last day we just did some shopping and browsing at the mall. We were debating vibe but personally I feel its not hot enough to waste the money on vibe especially at sea days. However, when we cruise in the summer or later Spring I would def take advantage of it!

 

Hope that helps :)

[kingbobyjr]

Did they take paper money or did you have to use coins?

 

They took good old paper US dollars thank goodness and I didn't have any spare coins.