Breakaway or Bliss?

[dcassetta]

We are considering a spring cruise and the two options that fit our dates are the Mexican Riviera on the Bliss out of LA and the Western Caribbean on the Breakaway out of NOLA.  Pretty similar pricing for balcony/club balcony and transportation costs would be similar. Both cruises include the current free offers (beverage, dining, Wi-Fi, etc.).  We are two adults, experienced cruisers, but first time on NCL. 

 

Opinions about either cruise from experienced NCL cruisers are appreciated.  TIA.

[Lovincruisin1321]

6 minutes ago, dcassetta said:

We are considering a spring cruise and the two options that fit our dates are the Mexican Riviera on the Bliss out of LA and the Western Caribbean on the Breakaway out of NOLA.  Pretty similar pricing for balcony/club balcony and transportation costs would be similar. Both cruises include the current free offers (beverage, dining, Wi-Fi, etc.).  We are two adults, experienced cruisers, but first time on NCL. 

 

Opinions about either cruise from experienced NCL cruisers are appreciated.  TIA.

NOLA is a lot of fun!

[BirdTravels]

8 minutes ago, dcassetta said:

We are considering a spring cruise and the two options that fit our dates are the Mexican Riviera on the Bliss out of LA and the Western Caribbean on the Breakaway out of NOLA.  Pretty similar pricing for balcony/club balcony and transportation costs would be similar. Both cruises include the current free offers (beverage, dining, Wi-Fi, etc.).  We are two adults, experienced cruisers, but first time on NCL. Opinions about either cruise from experienced NCL cruisers are appreciated. TIA.

From an itinerary perspective, which should be your primary consideration, the Western Caribbean cruise has better ports of calls (my opinion). And a day or two in New Orleans pre-/post-cruise is always great!

 

The Bliss is a newer and bigger ship with more restaurants, bars, and activities. The balconies on the Breakaway are the smallest in the cruise industry. 

 

My choice would be Breakaway from NOLA. (We're actually booked on the Breakaway later this year). 

[Hutcha]

I've been on the Breakaway and a sister ship of the Bliss. I sail on the Bliss in 4 weeks also. I like the Bliss over the Breakaway. One of the main attractions, for me, is the observation lounge. It's a great place to hang out and catch the views and have a drink. Like Birdtravels says, the itinerary should be a major factor. I've never done the Mexican riviera, so I'm looking forward to it.

 

Since this is your first time on NCL, I'll leave you with a personal critique I have about the line, in general. I think they take away far too much of the upper deck, premium, space for the Haven and other spaces to increase revenue (The Vibe, Racetrack, laser tag, etc). From my cruise on the Breakaway, I was left very disappointed with the space available for the standard passenger. They have two small pools that are usually crowed. It's a fight to get a lounge chair anywhere near a pool. If you want to go off to a secluded area, you can find one. When I sailed on the Encore (Mar 2020) I vowed not to sail on NCL again, unless it was in the Haven. That's what I'm doing next month. It'll be my first time in a suite. I've amended that vow to allow me to try the Prima or Viva. If the Haven is too expensive, I'll try steerage so I can see the ship.

[Sand and Seas]

Both are great ships.  Personally, we hated sailing out of LA, and love sailing from New Orleans!    Also we would recommend the itinerary from New Orleans over the Mexican Rivera.

 

For Bliss, I would watch for a different itinerary & embarkation port.  

Edited January 29, 2022 by Sand and Seas

[UKstages]

i've been on both.

 

bliss, hands down... assuming you're interested in the itinerary.

 

observation lounge. variety of bars and restaurants.

 

services. space. amenities.

 

(swimming pools. movie stars. y'all come back now, ya hear?)

[WAHMto5]

I would say Bliss for sure!!

[luckyinpa]

bliss, observation in haven was great. but even the one downstairs was good. matter of fact they had better food during the day. i always like to plan for cold rainy days in any ship so bliss wins. the bbq joint was very good. tiny sides mean you literally can order the entire menu of them. 

[maren91]

I've been on both, just off the Bliss last week. Hands down Bliss is the better ship. That said, the Breakaway was fun and cruising to the Caribbean out of New Orleans really could be a magical experience. My opinion, if you're traveling for the ship itself go in the Bliss. If you're traveling to have a Caribbean adventure and are able to take advantage of New Orleans for a day or two pre or post cruise, Breakaway all the way.

[phillygwm]

15 hours ago, dcassetta said:

Opinions about either cruise from experienced NCL cruisers are appreciated.  TIA.

I've been on Breakaway twice, both out of NYC.  And I've been on the Bliss most recently, in mid-December.  For the ship alone, I'd choose the Bliss.  I didn't avail myself of the go kart track or the pool, but I loved the Observation Lounge, and I appreciated the restaurant variety (though I missed Moderno.)  If you're a gambler, the casino on the Bliss was better for me as it was much less smoky.

 

In this case, I'd disagree with those who would decide based on the ports.  You have 2 sea days on the BA and 2-3 (depending on itinerary) on the Bliss.  You'll be on the ship more than you'll be off.  Though from a sightseeing perspective, I'd agree that the BA itinerary is better.  

[alysonofagun]

On 1/30/2022 at 1:52 AM, luckyinpa said:

bliss, observation in haven was great. but even the one downstairs was good. matter of fact they had better food during the day. i always like to plan for cold rainy days in any ship so bliss wins. the bbq joint was very good. tiny sides mean you literally can order the entire menu of them. 

 

This makes me so happy! I'm on the Bliss in 3 weeks and I love a meal of sides! 🙃

[marktwothousand]

Bliss and the unique itinerary is so much better than the Caribbean. PV and Cabo are so exciting with lots to do, beautiful, and are basically walk-off ports. 

[Lionkingrichard]

Ok so don't tell everyone! If your looking for a chair and quite place with no line for drinks on the Breakaway, then this is the spot! Shower also to cool off. Deck 17 forward left side.

 

Remember don't tell!

 

Picture won't post, so you will have to do it the old fashion way.

http://www.cruiseshipodyssey.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/norwegian-breakaway.jpg

Edited January 31, 2022 by Lionkingrichard

[Quincella]

Having sailed both, I'd choose Bliss, but that's because I've been to all those ports and so I'm a sucker for the ship at this point.  I really like the Breakaway, but the Breakaway Plus class is just special for me.  I simply adore all the outdoor space and bars.

[RunBikeCruiseDC]

On 1/29/2022 at 5:51 PM, UKstages said:

i've been on both.

 

bliss, hands down... assuming you're interested in the itinerary.

 

observation lounge. variety of bars and restaurants.

 

services. space. amenities.

 

(swimming pools. movie stars. y'all come back now, ya hear?)

Interesting.  We prefer the Breakaway because more outdoor activities and spaces on the top deck.   Probably wouldn't mind Bliss/Encore on cooler climate cruises (New England/Canada) but I want more places for fresh air.  😉.  Vibe Beach Club is smaller on Bliss, also.  But, I've been to those ports a million times so I'd probably choose the west coast trip. 

 

Edited January 31, 2022 by RunBikeCruiseDC

[Sand and Seas]

Both ships are great.  If same itinerary, I would go with Bliss.  For what OP listed, then it's Breakaway for me.   I hope OP can go on both ships in the upcoming years as both are great.

[wampuscat7]

We chose the Bliss, but it's because we haven't done the Mexican Riviera yet and are scheduled during whale season. It was also cheaper (at that time) than BA. 

 

I've read that the seas can be rougher in the Pacific than in the Caribbean Sea. It's also likely to be cooler during the days to/from LA vs. to/from NOLA. Depending on when you're going, temperatures in the various ports (and water temperatures) may be different due to their different latitudes. If you like snorkeling, I'd vote for Caribbean. 

 

NOLA is a wonderful walkable city to spend a day or two post- or pre-cruise. Excellent food.

[dcassetta]

Thanks for all the input.  We decided on the Bliss as all the ports are new to us and we have never sailed in that part of the Pacific.  HAL has a similar cruise that week, but it is hard to pass up all the Free at Sea benefits on NCL. If we enjoy NCL then we will look forward to sailing the Breakaway in the future. 

[brad0576]

On 1/29/2022 at 4:44 PM, dcassetta said:

We are considering a spring cruise and the two options that fit our dates are the Mexican Riviera on the Bliss out of LA and the Western Caribbean on the Breakaway out of NOLA.  Pretty similar pricing for balcony/club balcony and transportation costs would be similar. Both cruises include the current free offers (beverage, dining, Wi-Fi, etc.).  We are two adults, experienced cruisers, but first time on NCL. 

 

Opinions about either cruise from experienced NCL cruisers are appreciated.  TIA.

I have been on both - I enjoyed both - The Bliss is newer and doesn't suffer from the smoke overflow from the casino that I felt on the Breakaway since the smoking area is separated by a wall.  The Bliss also has some nice places like District Brewhouse, Q, and Food republic that are not on Breakaway.  

[rmurray847]

The last two cruises we took were on the Breakaway (transatlantic) and Bliss (Alaska).  They are very similar in many ways, but also some big differences.  My first choice given the scenario you outline would be "which itinerary is preferred."  But if it is HONESTLY a tie, then I would lean slightly towards the Bliss.  The Bliss is newer and feels it.  The observation lounge in really nice.  I LOVED The District Brewhouse on the Bliss because I like beer.  It's certainly the closest thing I've seen to a brewpub on a ship, with some actual decent choices!  We also loved the Cavern Club and the Beatles tribute band.  Bliss also has slightly more impressive slides and of course, the race track.  If you don't care about those, I still vote Bliss.  We loved the Breakaway too (and spent 12 days on her compared to 7 in Alaska).  But she was showing some wear and tear (but she may also have had a dry dock since we were aboard).  Breakaway has an Icebar, if that appeals.  It has a full miniature golf course (rather then 4 holes on Biss).  But those are the only clear winners in my book.

[juju2454]

I see you've made your choice and either would have been a great cruise.  We have been on both ships and I can say we enjoyed both completely for different reasons.   Bliss does have the observation lounge, which was lovely.  We went to the DBH but we aren't  beer drinkers so it was more a look and see thing for us.  Impressive if you do indulge.  The slide on Bliss my husband had a blast on , me I'm not into that to be honest.  The pool was fine and I don't do hot tubs so.  The Breakaway was more intimate, and I found quieter.  Seems the doors on the room sin Bliss slammed more just simply closing. The one next to us was so loud it woke us up every time they were there.   But we would sail either ship again.   I agree also that NOLA is a blast.   Enjoy your cruise!