Sailing on the Breakaway on July 1st - have a bunch of questions!

[frostrambler]

Hi, this is going to be my fourth cruise ever, sailed twice on the Dawn in 2003 and 2004, then as an adult I sailed on the Breakaway for its Inaugural cruise to Bermuda in May 2013 I believe.

 

I'd been planning to book another cruise in the next few months and saw a great deal on the Breakaway for July 1st, 9 days to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. However after booking this morning, I now see that NCL has changed a LOT since I sailed in 2013.

 

So every time I have ever gone on a cruise, I usually lurk on the Cruise Critics boards for weeks, getting lots of info, but this is the first time I booked a cruise with less than 2 weeks to go! So - if you guys can answer some questions, I would be super grateful.

 

1. I am traveling solo, but the deal was on an outside view stateroom, not a studio. Can I still go to the solo events - I assume I can't get into the solo lounge but the events are still open correct?

 

2. I'm confused about documents that NCL needs when boarding. Do they need my passport AND proof of citizenship AND government ID, or is my US passport enough - the wording on their website is very confusing, and makes it seem like you need all three.

 

3. If I leave the ship on a shore excursion or to go to the beach, do I bring my passport, or is my room card enough to get back on board? I'm concerned about bringing my passport because since I am sailing by myself, I don't want it stolen on the beach when I am in the water. On my last sailing, I had a friend with me, and we watched each other's stuff, but I don't recall Bermuda beaches having any lockers or anything like that. Any ideas on how to protect my stuff while in the water? I'm thinking of getting a small waterproof pouch and bringing it with me. (Obviously if I make some friends onboard, I can ask them)

 

4. As a solo cruiser, do I need to pre-book all my reservations now? I thought I could at least get a table at the non-specialty places at any time for dinner, but reading forum posts here makes it seem that if I don't prebook, I may be stuck eating in the buffet for the whole trip. Should I reserve the manhattan room and the other two main dining rooms? I'd like to eat at Cagney's at least once, and maybe the sushi bar, so I assume those I should reserve, but even the regular dining options too?

 

Same goes for shows - as a single guy, do I have to reserve every show or can I get in easier? I didn't reserve anything on the Dawn in 2003/2004, and only reserved a few specialty places and a few shows in 2013 on the Breakaway, but it appears that now you need to reserve everything?

 

5. If I purchase the soda package now - how will I get the sticker and the soda mug from NCL? Does it come straight to my room? Should I just wait until I am on board? I don't drink much alcohol, so the soda package appears good enough.

 

6. With so many a la carte places now instead of a cover charge - do you recommend I get a dining pass from NCL for a few nights? Is it worth it? I've been on the ship before, and I liked Cagney's, Le Bistro, and I want to try the Brazillian Steak place this time - what do you guys recommend - wing it or get a package?

 

7. Any tips or advice for a solo traveler? First time doing it solo, excited, but want to make sure I don't forget some critical item before I get on the ship. Any suggestions are appreciated! I guess bring 100-200 in cash for an emergency? I assume all ports would take credit cards? My cruise documents have not generated yet, should I print anything else out from NCL just in case?

 

Thanks for any help in advance!

Edited June 21, 2016 by frostrambler

[Viva_la_Vida]

#2 & 3: I am just back from the Breakaway. Passport alone was fine for check in. To answer the question below, you MUST bring ID with you to re-board the ship in addition to your room card. However, I would discourage you from bringing the passport off the boat. I make a copy of my passport to keep on me and just take my driver's license off. It's always a risk leaving stuff on the beach. My husband and I just make sure we could keep it in view while swimming and didn't feel too nervous about it.

 

#5:With the alcoholic beverage package, it was pre-printed on our room card. Maybe the soda is the same way?

 

Have fun!

[Sizzlechest]

However after booking this morning, I now see that NCL has changed a LOT since I sailed in 2013.

 

You ain't just whistlin Dixie...

 

• Nickelodeon gone
  
• Geoffrey Zakarian gone
  
• Cake Boss gone
  
• 18% gratuity on specialty dining
  
• DSC raised twice
  
• drink prices raised
  
• 18% gratuity on drinks
  
• 18% gratuity on food/coffee purchases ( Java Cafe/Carlo's/gelato etc)
  
• Asian Noodle restaurant complimentary but reduced menu
  
• Hippo Slide at GSC gone
  
• Fireworks gone
  
• UDP is now SDP
  
• UBP used to be for everyone in room, but now it's just first two passengers
  
• Room service $7.95 except for a much smaller limited "continental breakfast"
  
• Blue Man Group gone
  
• Now pay taxes on "free" UBP/SDP
  
• No more kids pricing in specialty restaurants
  
• Port times shortened on a number of itineraries "for your convenience"
  
• No more free Cirque or Illusionarium on first night with dining package
  
• Margaritaville on Escape is now a la carte. Used to be included.
  
• Cancellation policy got much worse.
  
• SDP price increased.
  
• Fewer days for SDP on promos.
  
• Available wines have gotten worse. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=49635954&postcount=64
  
• Certain menu items (like Seafood Extravaganza at Ocean Blue) not covered by SDP upcharge.
  
• Bayamo upcharge for SDP increased.
  
• Dining packages no longer have fixed $10 price for second entree at Cagney's and Le Bistro. Now charged full a la carte price for entree.
  
• Uptown/Flamingo Grill being replace with Margaritaville. Free dining place replace for fee-based one with similar food.
  
• AARP discount gone.
  
• Haven breakfast and lunch menu items scaled back. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2356561
  

4. As a solo cruiser, do I need to pre-book all my reservations now? I thought I could at least get a table at the non-specialty places at any time for dinner, but reading forum posts here makes it seem that if I don't prebook, I may be stuck eating in the buffet for the whole trip. Should I reserve the manhattan room and the other two main dining rooms?

 

No need for reservations at the MDR. You should make reservations for specialty dining and the main shows like Burn the Floor and Rock of Ages.

 

6. With so many a la carte places now instead of a cover charge - do you recommend I get a dining pass from NCL for a few nights? Is it worth it? I've been on the ship before, and I liked Cagney's, Le Bistro, and I want to try the Brazillian Steak place this time - what do you guys recommend - wing it or get a package?

 

Le Bistro and Cagney's are a la carte now, so you should get a SDP. You should also purchase it BEFORE you get on board since it will be $10 more if purchased on the ship.

 

7. Any tips or advice for a solo traveler? First time doing it solo, excited, but want to make sure I don't forget some critical item before I get on the ship. Any suggestions are appreciated! I guess bring 100-200 in cash for an emergency? I assume all ports would take credit cards? My cruise documents have not generated yet, should I print anything else out from NCL just in case?

 

The good news is St. Thomas and Puerto Rico are US territories, so no surcharge on your credit cards for foreign transaction fees. Bermuda has their own currency, but it's tied to the US Dollar and shouldn't have a surcharge. If you want to bring a lot of cash, I suggest getting a line of credit at the casino. However, it may be too late to do it. Contact the NCL casino department and they can help you out. You can use the casino as a free ATM. You pay your balance with a personal check.

 

Check your cell phone plan. Make sure you know your roaming rates. There are ways to configure your account and cell phone to allow roaming without worrying about incurring exorbitant fees on T-Mobile. Check with your provider.

 

Download the NCL iConcierge app NOW. You need to have it installed before you sail.

 

Consumer Reports rated this mosquito repellent best: http://amzn.to/28L35Rp You will want to have it on this cruise! Zika is rampant in Puerto Rico.

[Sauer-kraut]

 

1. I am traveling solo, but the deal was on an outside view stateroom, not a studio. Can I still go to the solo events - I assume I can't get into the solo lounge but the events are still open correct?

Yes, you most certainly go to the evens, make sure that you go to the first meeting (it might not be in the Living Room.

 

2. I'm confused about documents that NCL needs when boarding. Do they need my passport AND proof of citizenship AND government ID, or is my US passport enough - the wording on their website is very confusing, and makes it seem like you need all three.

No, just passport is fine. Don't take it off the ship. Use a different picture ID as well as your key card to get back on the ship.

 

3. If I leave the ship on a shore excursion or to go to the beach, do I bring my passport, or is my room card enough to get back on board? I'm concerned about bringing my passport because since I am sailing by myself, I don't want it stolen on the beach when I am in the water. On my last sailing, I had a friend with me, and we watched each other's stuff, but I don't recall Bermuda beaches having any lockers or anything like that. Any ideas on how to protect my stuff while in the water? I'm thinking of getting a small waterproof pouch and bringing it with me. (Obviously if I make some friends onboard, I can ask them)

I think the pouch might be a good idea, but everything other than a camera will survive getting wet, so if you have a good pocket on your swim trunks you're good to go as well.

 

4. As a solo cruiser, do I need to pre-book all my reservations now? I thought I could at least get a table at the non-specialty places at any time for dinner, but reading forum posts here makes it seem that if I don't prebook, I may be stuck eating in the buffet for the whole trip. Should I reserve the manhattan room and the other two main dining rooms? I'd like to eat at Cagney's at least once, and maybe the sushi bar, so I assume those I should reserve, but even the regular dining options too?

 

Well....personally I wouldn't book the MDR, however I would book Cagney's. If you are planning on going to the solo gatherings dining will be easy to get into. You might want to post on the white board that you will be dining in Cagneys' on X date would anyone like to go with as a group.

Same goes for shows - as a single guy, do I have to reserve every show or can I get in easier? I didn't reserve anything on the Dawn in 2003/2004, and only reserved a few specialty places and a few shows in 2013 on the Breakaway, but it appears that now you need to reserve everything?

I didn't really have trouble going standby at the shows, always found a seat. Sometimes the solos went to the shows together too.

 

5. If I purchase the soda package now - how will I get the sticker and the soda mug from NCL? Does it come straight to my room? Should I just wait until I am on board? I don't drink much alcohol, so the soda package appears good enough.

If you pre purchase the soda package it should show up on your amenitiy confirmation. Print that out and if you don't have it waiting in your stateroom you can show the amenity sheet to any barman and get your sticker.

 

6. With so many a la carte places now instead of a cover charge - do you recommend I get a dining pass from NCL for a few nights? Is it worth it? I've been on the ship before, and I liked Cagney's, Le Bistro, and I want to try the Brazillian Steak place this time - what do you guys recommend - wing it or get a package?

 

7. Any tips or advice for a solo traveler? First time doing it solo, excited, but want to make sure I don't forget some critical item before I get on the ship. Any suggestions are appreciated! I guess bring 100-200 in cash for an emergency? I assume all ports would take credit cards? My cruise documents have not generated yet, should I print anything else out from NCL just in case?

 

Thanks for any help in advance!

Have a great time, I can't really help with 6&7

[mking8288]

A few thoughts for OP (in addition to suggestions/ideas from others) - as you are sailing out of NYC, your homeport - try to pack & bring all the essentials from home but if you miss anything, first stop @ San Juan, PR is best to restock & pickup anything. There's a CVS up the block & across the street from the pier, i.e. OTC meds, toiletry items & beverages, including sodas.

 

Been on the BA 3 times, most recently last month & the MDR food is just fine, ditto for O'Sheehans (not as impressed about the buffet, opinions being highly subjective & personal here) so I don't feel it's necessary to buy or subscribe to specialty dining or the packages ... besides, it's just for dinner & you will be eating in the MDR or buffet otherwise for breakfast & lunch. If you got the green bucks to spend, by all means & burn it, or save it for doing some shore excursions - on your own would save money, although you might feel pressed for time to plan last minute & end up using ship's overpriced tours ... freestyle cruising, I suppose - do whatever you feel like.

 

For solo dining in the MDR, if you go at 5:30 or 6 PM, odds are good that that they can easily seat you, even without a reservations - even on sea days. Do expect all the dining room to be quite busy & full on the final/last day at sea before returning to NY.

 

Have you check into your sailing's Roll Calls - should be an active one & there should be resources & others on there to "bond" with ... got nothing to lose. Maybe some extra tips & spot for you to join some of the self-organized tours.

 

On your ports - this is a special itinerary - getting to San Juan in the afternoon & leaving in 6 hours, all abroad 1 hour prior to - check your clock/watch to not miss the sailing to the next port. It's a home calling area for all 4 major US carriers, no problems with calling or using data, etc.

 

St. Thomas/USVI is our favoriate Caribbean stop, lots of things to do & see, lovely beaches - you can just do it onshore & book it - allow time to get back to the ship (and, the friendly/helpful drivers & guides are all familiar with & eager to get you back safely on time) Tortola got wonderful beaches but it's a 1/2 day stopover at best, so watch your time.

 

Bermuda stop on this run is what another CC called a "teaser" stop for 7 hours, 6 hours max but really 5 hours to see the islands, Dockyard from west end to St. George's on the east end. You can end up "wasting" valuable time buying tokens to ride the buses & ferries (fast CAT ferry is the best way to get around quickly, although it will likely be packed full) on arrival inside the Wharf's terminal building's VIC (Visitors Info Center) or, bring 2 rolls of US quarters from your local bank - coins/exact change are accepted (they will take US bills on the ferry but not on the buses). We love Bermuda, friendly & safe, easy to get around - if you haven't been there, you will want to go back for more in the future. Advice, don't just take the $7 shuttle over to Horseshoe Bay beach or the smaller beach @ Dockyard, go see the rest of the islands, walk around downtown Hamilton, just off the ferry terminal & 2 blocks uphill - the main bus terminal is there & will get you back to Dockyard in about 1 hour, sightsee along from the bus ride.

 

Over at the Bermuda forum, there are links to the ferry & bus schedules for 2016, download those PDF to your smartphone for easy use - and, you won't need access to data while there for a few hours. There's no free WiFi at dockyard but T-Mo USA subscribers on most plans should have free 2G/Edge data services (it is "slow" but usable for mails & emails and WiFi voice calling). BDA is on ADT and 1 hour time zone difference, be careful with ship time & get back no later than 30 minutes before sail time as we don't want to read about your induction to the infamous "Pier Runners Club" at Dockyard.

 

NCL only carries Pepsi products & it's usually fountain ones in a glass, filled with ice (used to get a full can when we dine in the MDR/specialty & order by the can/a la carte as prices for the package has gone up significantly + 18%, not worth it but if you are big on drinking carbonated sugar water, feel free to go ahead) ... or, bring your own ... put them in your carry-on, easiest if you have a roller. You will save money, i.e. DW like to have Ginger Ale in the cabin 24/7 for her stomach & it's good for motion sickness, etc. ShopRite has the 1.25 liter sized ones for $1.29 a bottle + tax/deposit this week, 3 bottles for us lasted a whole week. NCL's soda package used to give you a tall plastic tumbler for refills, not anymore or at least, haven't seen anyone walking around with one - you get a sticker on the guest keycard if you purchased the drink/soda package & order accordingly. Bring one from home for reuse, fill up that 16 oz. & you can bring that freely along to meals, etc. Same for bottled water or bring a BPA-free water bottle & just fill up at the buffet stations (use a clean cup to transfer cleanly from dispenser to yours)

 

All of the businesses & stores in the ports will take credit cards, just alert your bank/card providers of your travel plan to note it (DIY for us with Citi & Chase, easily online) for early fraud protection so that charges would be approved, as they might otherwise try to email and/or call you to verify first. Bring some loose $5 & $1 US bills as those are always good to small purchases & extra tipping, etc.

 

Officially, the 2016 hurricane season is underway but odds are against running into one, and the BA is a great ship to be on for riding out any storm, especially if you have a good cabin/stateroom location - check the port weather forecasts just ahead of sailing ... if you are prone to motion, pack some OTC meds with you to take along as a precaution. Sun protection is a must & some insect repellent too - then, odds are you won't need to buy anything "forgotten" in the ports.

 

For the ports, leave your passport in the room's mini-safe, just your NYS ID or Driver's License & NCL guest keycard are sufficient - scan your US Passport as a PDF & store that on your smartphone to go ashore.

 

Enjoy the BA & have a great cruise.

[BirdTravels]

1. I am traveling solo, but the deal was on an outside view stateroom, not a studio. Can I still go to the solo events - I assume I can't get into the solo lounge but the events are still open correct?

Anyone is welcome to the single's gatherings. And yes, your key will not give you access to the solo's lounge.

 

2. I'm confused about documents that NCL needs when boarding. Do they need my passport AND proof of citizenship AND government ID, or is my US passport enough - the wording on their website is very confusing, and makes it seem like you need all three.

Your US passport (only) is good for check-in. While you are at the ports, your ship's card and a Govt issued ID (drivers license) will get you through security (so you don't have to carry your passport).

 

3. If I leave the ship on a shore excursion or to go to the beach, do I bring my passport, or is my room card enough to get back on board?

While you are at the ports, your ship's card and a Govt issued ID (drivers license) will get you through security (so you don't have to carry your passport).

 

4. As a solo cruiser, do I need to pre-book all my reservations now? I thought I could at least get a table at the non-specialty places at any time for dinner, but reading forum posts here makes it seem that if I don't prebook, I may be stuck eating in the buffet for the whole trip. Should I reserve the manhattan room and the other two main dining rooms? I'd like to eat at Cagney's at least once, and maybe the sushi bar, so I assume those I should reserve, but even the regular dining options too?

Since you are so close to sailing, it would be best to book your Specialty dining (Cagney's) as soon as you board the ship. There will be a full selection of dining times (if you board early). Sushi is first-come-first-serve (no reservations accepted). Use any of the touch screens in public areas, your stateroom TV, or the iConcierge app on your phone to make reservations.

 

You never need a reservation for the Manhattan Room, Taste, or Savor.

 

Same goes for shows - as a single guy, do I have to reserve every show or can I get in easier? I didn't reserve anything on the Dawn in 2003/2004, and only reserved a few specialty places and a few shows in 2013 on the Breakaway, but it appears that now you need to reserve everything?

Make reservations when you board. Again, use the touch screens, room TV, or iConcierge to make you booking. If the shows sell out, you can always attend going standby, but you can't go in until 10 minutes before show time (single seats are usually easier to find). Show reservations are only required on the large ships. Not on smaller ships like the Dawn

 

5. If I purchase the soda package now - how will I get the sticker and the soda mug from NCL? Does it come straight to my room? Should I just wait until I am on board? I don't drink much alcohol, so the soda package appears good enough.

The soda package will be printed on your room key "SODA".

 

6. With so many a la carte places now instead of a cover charge - do you recommend I get a dining pass from NCL for a few nights? Is it worth it? I've been on the ship before, and I liked Cagney's, Le Bistro, and I want to try the Brazillian Steak place this time - what do you guys recommend - wing it or get a package?

If you want to eat at specialty restaurants, a Specialty Dining Plan will save you a lot of money. 3-night packages are available. Will not save you money on Cirque.

 

7. Any tips or advice for a solo traveler? First time doing it solo, excited, but want to make sure I don't forget some critical item before I get on the ship. Any suggestions are appreciated! I guess bring 100-200 in cash for an emergency? I assume all ports would take credit cards? My cruise documents have not generated yet, should I print anything else out from NCL just in case?

You only need the first page of your eDocs to get through port security and check-in. Print the entire eDocs package for your records and bring with you. Enjoy yourself! Solo or with a friend, it is all the same.

Thanks for any help in advance!

 

Enjoy your cruise,,, only a few weeks away!

[JustAllie]

I seem to recall reading in the Solo Cruisers Forum that the solo group dining arrangements always end up in the complimentary dining rooms (Taste/Savor/Manhattan Dining Room/O'Sheehan's/etc.). So if you prefer to dine with a group of other solos instead of dining alone, you might want to skip the specialty dining package and eat wherever the group decides to go. You could just pay for the Brazilian steakhouse (Moderno) one night just to try it out. Moderno is a flat fee, not a la carte, so there's no big price difference there.

 

If you definitely plan to eat in specialty dining venues several times, I do think the package makes sense financially, given the new a la carte pricing at most of the specialty restaurants.

[JustAllie]

You only need to carry your passport off the ship if you think there's a chance you'll miss the ship and have to fly back home. So if you leave the passport on the ship, be sure to get back in plenty of time for departure. :D

 

My friend and I went to Tobacco Bay and snorkeled together for quite a long time, leaving our bags unattended at our rented lounge chairs. Nobody touched anything. It may have been relatively safe there because it's such a small beach with staff walking the beach taking drink orders.

[thistimeplease]

There was a review recently from someone who just traveled solo on the Breakaway to Bermuda. Although the destination was different the review can probably answer some of your questions regarding reservations and dining. I added the link (I hope)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2355065&highlight=breakaway

 

Have a great trip

[frostrambler]

Consumer Reports rated this mosquito repellent best: http://amzn.to/28L35Rp You will want to have it on this cruise! Zika is rampant in Puerto Rico.

 

 

Thank you, just ordered!

[frostrambler]

Thank you everyone for the excellent tips, I've been literally taking notes as I read all of your suggestions and marking them down for my packing list and TO DOs.

 

I appreciate all of your help!