Breakaway Review: NCL Changed my Opinion of Cruising

[redsox_nation]

We sailed on the Breakaway to Bermuda from 8/21-8/28 and had a fantastic time. I need a month to detox. I think a cruise (or any vacation for that matter) is all in how you make it - I couldn't get over listening to some of the complaints of other passengers and wondering "are we on the same cruise?" There was a woman on the 2nd day in line behind me at Guest Services who shouted to the officer asking her if she needs any help: "Yes! I'm not having fun and I want my money back!" Some people just will never be pleased.

 

About us: We're in our early 30s and have no kids, and traveled with our extended family for a large family vacation (ages from 6 months to 65 years old). We have only taken a cruise once, on Carnival years ago for a friend's 30th birthday - we hated it and have not had any interest in cruising again. However, NCL really changed our opinion about cruising, for the better.

 

Embarkation: We arrived around 10:15 am and were checked in by 10:45 am. The terminal is a zoo and be prepared for a mad rush once people see boarding begin. Boarding began around 11:45/noon. I also noticed the usual lazy, opportunistic people who didn't need Special Assistance but claimed it anyways to board early - it's unfortunate people take advantage of that when there are people who actually do need it (we met a guy in the Vibe who admitted to asking for a wheel chair just to board early and get a Vibe pass).

 

Vibe: COMPLETELY WORTH IT. I can't put into words how much we enjoyed the Vibe especially on sea days when the pool and sun decks were a madhouse. The bartender and staff were wonderful and provided exceptional service.

 

Dining: Our favorite restaurant was Cagneys, hands down. The filet was of the same caliber that I find in great steakhouses here in DC. We also enjoyed Teppanyaki and La Cucina. We had dinner two nights in the MDR (Manhattan and Taste) and enjoyed those meals as well but the speciality restaurants are definitely where the best food is. We wanted to try Shanghai's but unfortunately the wait was usually 45 minutes to an hour during the times we tried to go. The burger bar at Uptown was terrific!

 

Entertainment: We saw Rock of Ages which was very good and as others here have noted, reminded me of a "real" Broadway performance. We wanted to see Burn the Floor but missed our reservation due to a long dinner. We caught their limited performance in the Manhattan Dining Room Saturday night and it was excellent so I can only imagine the full show was top notch. The Cirque show was fantastic and we highly recommend paying extra to see it - we were worried about the food based on what we read here but it was actually pretty good. Aside from the shows, we found the nightlife to be a lot of fun at Spice H20 and dancing at Bliss. We especially enjoyed the Norwegian Night Out, White Party, and 80s parties.

 

Our favorite bar to hang out and grab a drink (or two...three...four) was Shakers.

 

Service: I made multiple comments throughout the week to the various crew members on the ship about how wonderful their service was. I found multiple crew members going above and beyond what I considered already great service.

 

Clean: NCL is serious about cleanliness - everything was constantly being cleaned and I even enjoyed the "washy washy" song that they'd sing each down at the entrance to the buffet.

 

Smoking: This was a huge problem for me and my only complaint about the cruise. Everything near/around the casino had the stale smoke smell and forget about trying to enjoy the Waterfront at Maltings - it was like being in the actual cigar room next to it. I complained to Guest Services about my neighbor next to me and my neighbor a few balconies down who would always smoke on their balcony - not only is that a huge safety issue but we didn't want to be on our balcony when they smoked. Guest Services followed up with me and promptly resolved the issue (back to their wonderful customer service).

 

Atrium: What a zoo. It's way too small of an area for a ship that large, which others here have pointed out. We avoided that area at all costs.

 

Garden buffet: A madhouse. When their ice cream machines were working, the ice cream was delicious!

 

Kids: Holy smokes, talk about a ton of kids (again, why the Vibe was such a great escape from the seemingly endless number of screaming kids running around). I overheard someone say there were 1,500 kids on board and I'm sure that was due to the week we went since schools are starting back up again.

 

Saturday excitement: We were laying in the Vibe on Saturday and heard three loud blows from the horn; a few minutes later, a small fishing boat (no more than 20 feet) goes by. The captain makes an announcement that we are turning around to perform a welfare check. Turns out the boat broke out from its dock and wound up 400 miles east of Jamestown, VA. We saw at least 10 sharks swimming around the boat which was super eerie, but neat to see.

 

 

Overall, we would definitely cruise again on NCL but we'd want the Vibe (or something equivalent) again so we can escape from the madness if we want. NCL has certainly changed my opinion of cruising, for the better. Happy to answer any questions you have.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Ohio_Bob]

Loved the review. Thanks. We sail on BA on 9/4. Can't wait. How hard was it to get a Vibe pass? Any tips on increasing the odds of getting one?

Edited August 28, 2016 by Ohio_Bob

[bigfoot88]

Never did the Vibe Club, we are on quick and would be able to get a pass b4 they sell out, what was the cost?

[Dodgers671]

We will be on the 9-4 cruise with you. We plan on being at the terminal to get the vibe pass at 08:30 So worth it.

we were on the Getaway last year and really enjoyed it. Good luck arrive early.

Ken and Kelley

[JimnSuzie]

Loved the review! Quick question....you can only get the Vibe passes in the Atrium once you board? Right?

[Dodgers671]

Deck 6 customer service $69. Worth it

[Gershep]

Great review. We have been on the Breakaway twice and enjoyed it each time we went.

[nyfltraveler]

I generally agree with your assessment, particularly about the smoking and the "madness"

 

My review is at http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2395764

 

Would be interested in your views/comments

[redsox_nation]

The passes are now $99 and they are sold at Guest Services (next to the atrium). You board on 7 - immediately take the stairs to 6 and walk towards the atrium. You'll see a crew member standing at Guest Services and ask for a Vibe pass. He/She will hand you a ticket with a number on it. They sell 70 passes (and 5 cabanas).

 

The only way to increase your chances is getting as low a boarding group number as possible (by checking in early). For reference, a couple we met received numbers 64 and 65 and were boarding group 7.

Edited August 29, 2016 by redsox_nation

[Aldeya]

Our cruise is in late November.

 

Is it worth it to buy Vibe passes considering possible cold weather sailing from NY?

 

I'd love to hear from someone who bought the pass for a colder weather cruise.

[easyboy]

Thanks for your review.

[BirdTravels]

Thanks for the review. We have been on the Breakaway twice and really enjoyed the ship and sailing out of NY.

[lenquixote66]

Thanks for the review

[JimnSuzie]

Can you please tell me what time Vibe opens and closes. Thanks!

[DPurcell58]

We sat up at Spice H2O, found a seat, bar, hot tub and waterfall to cool off at. It was very nice.

[mugtech]

Good review, reminds me why we love longer cruises, avoid June, July and August.

[richg35]

 

The only way to increase your chances is getting as low a boarding group number as possible (by checking in early).

 

Is this really true? Boarding numbers at the NYC Cruiseport seem to be given out seemingly at random. We are always to the port early, and get numbers all over the place.

[CRUZMEME]

We sailed Breakaway Aug. 7-14, we were at port by 9:30 AM, we got Boarding Group 6, our friends that were right behind us got Boarding Group 10?? We were first time cruisers and this was their second NCL cruise, so no idea how they determine which group you get!! As I said we (my husband and I) were boarding group 6 and we went immediately to deck 6 for VIBE passes, we got numbers 69 and 70!! She cut off the line right after us! I gave her a huge hug, as I couldn't believe we got the last 2 passes!! We paid $198 total for the 2 passes, well worth it!!! Leon and Alvin were awesome bartenders all week!!