Live-NCL Breakaway 10/30-11/06/2022-New England/Canada-Club Balcony Suite

[graphicguy]

So, downloaded the edocs.  As many cruises as I've taken with NCL, I've never bothered to look at the prohibited items list.

 

Interesting....

PROHIBITED ITEMS LIST

The safety and security of our guests and crew is our number one priority. The following items are prohibited on-board vessels. These items will be confiscated and not transported aboard. When an item is determined to be illegal the appropriate authorities will be informed.

• 1. All illegal narcotics/drugs. (Including Marijuana prescribed for medical purposes and other items used as drug paraphernalia. This includes Hookah Pipes, CBD products, THC products).
• 2. All firearms including replicas, imitations, non-firing weapons, starting pistols and their components
• 3. Air, BB or pellet pistols or rifles
• 4. Any other projectile-weapon or item that resembles or can be mistaken as a firearm (e.g., paint ball guns)
• 5. All ammunition or replica ammunition for listed line items 2, 3 & 4
• 6. All explosives, component parts (i.e. detonators) including imitation explosives and devices
• 7. Fireworks, flares, and pyrotechnics
• 8. Martial Arts Weapons (i.e. throwing stars, flails)
• 9. Knives with a blade longer than 4 inches/10.16 cm
• 10. Open razors
• 11. Swords, Skean Dhus, or Kirpans
• 12. Spears or spear guns
• 13. Crossbows, crossbow bolts, and long bow arrows
• 14. Blunt weapons including knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, telescopic batons, batons, flails or nunchaku
• 15. Items containing incapacitating substances (e.g. gas guns, tear gas sprays, mace, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable
• 16. Restraining Devices (i.e. handcuffs, leg, and head restraining straps)
• 17. Flammable substances and hazardous chemicals. (e.g., petrol, methylated spirits, paint thinners, lighter fuel, etc.)
• 18. Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon
• 19. Stun devices (i.e. Tazers and Stun Guns)
• 20. Large batteries
• 21. Items brought on board the vessel and not supplied by the Company containing any kind of heating element, such as but not limited to: immersion heaters, heating blankets, clothing irons, water heaters, coffee machines with heating/hot plates, etc.
• 22. Any remotely controlled or autonomously flying devices, toys or drones
• 23. Self-balancing hover boards, air wheels, scooters, or Segway’s
• 24. Compressed gas tanks, bottles, cylinders including dive tanks, propane tanks and large aerosol cans
• 25. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), ham radios, satellite phones, transformers, lasers and laser pointers
• 26. Any form of radio/ telephone signal jamming equipment
• 27. Samsung Note 7
• 28. Candles
• 29. Inflatable kayaks

[dcipjr]

Make sure to leave those inflatable kayaks at home, folks.

[Red-Sol]

2 hours ago, dcipjr said:

Make sure to leave those inflatable kayaks at home, folks.

Think they might allow them onboard as long as it states "Not to be used as a flotation device" ? 🤣

[SliderNc]

The Samsung Note 7... who actually still owns one of those?

[graphicguy]

MY TA knows I like me some Haven.  She just sent me this note about this cruise with regards to what sounds like the last Haven cabin available.....

 

 

There is only 1 left, 14142, so whenever anyone looks at it it disappears from inventory.

 

The gross total for the H9 will be $4860.90. You are currently paying $553. If you want the upgrade the additional cost would be $4327.90 (if I did my math correctly).  You will be getting a $300 obc from us, or I can discount the cruise by $300, so a gross total of $4027.90.

 

Let me know! Thank you!!

[JIMESOPUS]

@graphicguyWow,  almost as bad as the Prima TA, minimum upgrade bid into the entry level Haven cabin was 6K per person, median bid was 9K.

[graphicguy]

Just now, JIMESOPUS said:

@graphicguyWow,  almost as bad as the Prima TA, minimum upgrade bid into the entry level Haven cabin was 6K per person, median bid was 9K.

This wouldn't have been a bid situation.  My TA would have just booked the Haven Spa cabin for me if I wanted it.  Actually, for the Haven, less her discount of $300, $4,027 all in isn't a bad rate for a 7 day cruise on the Breakaway.  Not the least I've ever spent, but certainly not the most, either.   Plus, it gains access to the Thermal Spa.

 

Still, it's 9X+ what I'm spending on my current cabin.  That's a big jump, given the perks I already have.  Thermal Spa would be nice, but I can book that once on board.

[Sthrngary]

1 hour ago, graphicguy said:

This wouldn't have been a bid situation.  My TA would have just booked the Haven Spa cabin for me if I wanted it.  Actually, for the Haven, less her discount of $300, $4,027 all in isn't a bad rate for a 7 day cruise on the Breakaway.  Not the least I've ever spent, but certainly not the most, either.   Plus, it gains access to the Thermal Spa.

 

Still, it's 9X+ what I'm spending on my current cabin.  That's a big jump, given the perks I already have.  Thermal Spa would be nice, but I can book that once on board.

@graphicguy As you kind of know, If I had the means and the choice I would do the Haven every time.  I am also on the Breakaway, December 4, 2022, in a Club Balcony Suite (MA).  The only Haven Suite left is of course the Haven Spa Suite.  I have bid on it but it will be gone well before they clear bids. My bid is on the low side because I loaded up my (MA) experience with "Free At Sea PLUS", Vibe Cabana, Unlimited streaming internet, and a total of 5 Specialty Restaurants over the 7 day cruise. 

 

My plan if I clear, which again, based on my history is slim and none; to cancel the Vibe to lesson the cost difference.  The Haven is the best however when you do "Haven Lite" is it pretty close.  I would not blame you for paying the price as long as you are comfortable with it.  If you do, can you smuggle me out a few Almond Danishes.  They are only served in the Haven.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[graphicguy]

17 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

@graphicguy As you kind of know, If I had the means and the choice I would do the Haven every time.  I am also on the Breakaway, December 4, 2022, in a Club Balcony Suite (MA).  The only Haven Suite left is of course the Haven Spa Suite.  I have bid on it but it will be gone well before they clear bids. My bid is on the low side because I loaded up my (MA) experience with "Free At Sea PLUS", Vibe Cabana, Unlimited streaming internet, and a total of 5 Specialty Restaurants over the 7 day cruise. 

 

My plan if I clear, which again, based on my history is slim and none; to cancel the Vibe to lesson the cost difference.  The Haven is the best however when you do "Haven Lite" is it pretty close.  I would not blame you for paying the price as long as you are comfortable with it.  If you do, can you smuggle me out a few Almond Danishes.  They are only served in the Haven.  

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Gary….agree.  Given the choice, I’ll always sail the Haven.  But, this cruise, even though the Haven Spa Suite fare was good (~$4K), it’s still quite a jump up from ~$600 fare for a Club Balcony Cabin.

 

Tried to justify it….believe me.  I would use my previous ~$400 FCC, that would have brought it to $3,600.  OBC from AMEX went from $200 I currently have to $300.  Not sure what the Latitudes OBC would be, but assuming the same as for the Club BAlcony, that’s another $75.  Another $100 OBC for being an NCL stockholder…..$475 total OBC for the Haven.  Having access to the Thermal Spa for the week is also enticing.

 

Still, don’t know what the weather is going to be like.  Also, still debating the VIBE, which I’ll decide once I get a clearer picture of the weather forecast in a couple of weeks.

 

The constant of the 2 bags of laundry service (one for Latitudes, one for being in a Club Balcony), 5 Specialty Dinners would still be useable, too.  That somewhat mitigates having access to the Haven Restaurant.

 

No matter.  I’m sure by now the last available Haven cabin is booked.

 

As always, thanks for your input.

[graphicguy]

Well now....was just assigned my GTY Club Balcony Cabin.  Not a bad location.  But, given it's a Club Balcony, I didn't think it would be.  With, the exception it's on deck 13.  I'm not superstitious in the least, but for the first time in a really long time, thought about the number 13.

 

Anyway......printed out my luggage tags, too. Not sure I'll need them, given I'll probably just drag all my luggage with me upon embarkation as I price myself in fitting everything into a roll aboard and a back pack.  But, 'ya never know.  IF the weather changes towards cold, I may have to pack "bulky" in a bigger suitcase.

 

[graphicguy]

We're officially under the 2 weeks to sail mark.  I'm starting to look at the weather forecasts and doing "cruise laundry".  Also, time to go to the drugstore to get tiny little bottles of mouthwash, small tubes of toothpaste, aspirin, hydration packets, Starbucks coffee packs, start charging up electronics, taking inventory of plugs and cables I need, etc.

 

It's getting real, now!

[Sthrngary]

28 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

We're officially under the 2 weeks to sail mark.  I'm starting to look at the weather forecasts and doing "cruise laundry".  Also, time to go to the drugstore to get tiny little bottles of mouthwash, small tubes of toothpaste, aspirin, hydration packets, Starbucks coffee packs, start charging up electronics, taking inventory of plugs and cables I need, etc.

 

It's getting real, now!

@graphicguy I want to thank you for always being the voice of reason with your posts.  It makes these kinds of communities a better place.  I am excited for you.  I can't wait to hear about your experience and adventures.  It will give me even more to look forward to on my upcoming trip on the Breakaway.  My I suggest just one thing?

 

If you eat in Cagney's, please leave room for the Chocolate Cake for desert. I originally had this cake when it was a three inch circle about four inches high in the Haven.  They stopped making it I thought.  Then, I ordered it in Cagney's as a normal cake slice.  This was unusual for me because I usually do the Apple Pie. The Cake was over the top.

 

Regardless, have a great time.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[graphicguy]

51 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

@graphicguy I want to thank you for always being the voice of reason with your posts.  It makes these kinds of communities a better place.  I am excited for you.  I can't wait to hear about your experience and adventures.  It will give me even more to look forward to on my upcoming trip on the Breakaway.  My I suggest just one thing?

 

If you eat in Cagney's, please leave room for the Chocolate Cake for desert. I originally had this cake when it was a three inch circle about four inches high in the Haven.  They stopped making it I thought.  Then, I ordered it in Cagney's as a normal cake slice.  This was unusual for me because I usually do the Apple Pie. The Cake was over the top.

 

Regardless, have a great time.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

You are kind.  Thank you.  Don’t short change yourself on what you add here.  You’re insights and tips are invaluable.

 

Debating on which specialties I’m going to.  I know I’m definitely going to Ocean Blue and La Cucina was so improved on the Getaway, I’ll go there, too.  Have to go to the Sushi Bar.  I know many love LeBistro, but it’s been hit and miss for me.

 

Cagney’s chocolate cake.  I’m all over it.

Edited October 18, 2022 by graphicguy

[Sthrngary]

15 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

You are kind.  Thank you.  Don’t short change yourself on what you add here.  You’re insights and tips are invaluable.

 

Debating on which specialties I’m going to.  I know I’ve definitely going to Ocean Blue and La Cucina was so improved on the Getaway, I’ll go there, too.  Have to go to the Sushi Bar.  I know many love LeBistro, but it’s been hit and miss for me.

 

Cagney’s chocolate cake.  I’m all over it.

Thanks.  I am thrilled to hear that La Cucina is improved.  My choices for the four specialty restaurants are; Cagney's Steakhouse; Ocean Blue; La Cucina and Teppanyaki Japanese (Always the last night).  I have not eaten in La Cucina in a long time.  Can you recommend your favorite dish? 

 

I also love Sushi, however I am hoping it is open for lunch one day.  If not, the once thing my area has is excellent Sushi. I usually always go to LeBristro.  It is part of the Perk as Dinner for two with American Express Platinum Cards.  This time, my reservation was with NCL Casino's at Sea so I also won't go.  I like the food their but only one entrée so passing on it, like you. won't be hard. 

 

Thanks again for the kind words.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[graphicguy]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

Thanks.  I am thrilled to hear that La Cucina is improved.  My choices for the four specialty restaurants are; Cagney's Steakhouse; Ocean Blue; La Cucina and Teppanyaki Japanese (Always the last night).  I have not eaten in La Cucina in a long time.  Can you recommend your favorite dish? 

 

I also love Sushi, however I am hoping it is open for lunch one day.  If not, the once thing my area has is excellent Sushi. I usually always go to LeBristro.  It is part of the Perk as Dinner for two with American Express Platinum Cards.  This time, my reservation was with NCL Casino's at Sea so I also won't go.  I like the food their but only one entrée so passing on it, like you. won't be hard. 

 

Thanks again for the kind words.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

Can't remember what it was called on the menu but the Lobster Ravioli I had the past summer at La Cucina was outstanding.  Loved the Gnocchi, the filet with Peppercorns and Blue Cheese 
Ravioli and the Osso Bucco also stood out.

 

I think I actually ate at the Sushi bar for lunch one day.  So, I know it was open at least one of the days on board.

 

I have 5 specialties on this cruise.  2 for Latitudes, 2 for Free at Sea and 1 for AMEX Platinum.  I think the AMEX was for LeBistro, but NCL has always let me swap it out for any other Specialty I wanted.

 

I'm thinking....(not in any particular order)

-LaCucina

-Teppenyaki

-Cagneys

-Sushi

-Ocean Blue

 

The other 2 nights, I'll be in the MDR.  I've been known to do dinner in the buffet on sea food night, too.

[pbenjamin]

2 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Thanks.  I am thrilled to hear that La Cucina is improved.  My choices for the four specialty restaurants are; Cagney's Steakhouse; Ocean Blue; La Cucina and Teppanyaki Japanese (Always the last night).  I have not eaten in La Cucina in a long time.  Can you recommend your favorite dish? 

 

 

 

We ate in La Cucina on the Jewel in 2019, it was one of our favorites.  We went there on the Breakaway earlier this month and it was really disappointing.  The Spaghetti Carbonara was great (was on the Jewel, too).  The rest was either awful or not memorable.  The pizza was undercooked and tasteless.  The Beef Lasagne Al Forno "just tasted like ground beef and tomato sauce" according to my wife.  Our opinion seemed be shared by our fellow cruisers, as this was the only thing I was able to book online (we booked the cruise well after reservations were opened to all).  It was also the only specialty restaurant that we ate in that seemed to have a lot of empty tables.  The service was also pretty bad but I can't remember any specifics.

 

We had 4 specialty dinners.  We ended up going to La Cucina, Cagney's twice, and had a dinner from Le Bistro in-suite.

Edited October 18, 2022 by pbenjamin

[alanstarr]

2 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Cagney’s chocolate cake.  I’m all over it.

 

And if you're too full after dinner, they'll wrap it up so you can have it later in the cabin! 

[graphicguy]

1 minute ago, alanstarr said:

 

And if you're too full after dinner, they'll wrap it up so you can have it later in the cabin! 

Nothing like having chocolate cake leftovers after a late night of libations and hooliganism!  🙂

[graphicguy]

For those of you who had scheduled a proctored COVID test through OnPoint-testing.com, it looks like they've closed up shop.  I had used them for 3 of my last cruises and found them reliable and affordable.  Plus, they also seem to have physical testing facilities.

 

Mildly irritated as I had pinged their support email requesting a refund because my cruise no longer requires a proctored test result.  They had to know this was coming.  It's been nearly 2 years since the cruise start up and, although NCL has been diligent in their testing requirements, their efforts have paid off.  And, (fingers crossed) epidemic COVID outbreaks on ships is a thing of the past.

 

So, sent one email to them stating cruise testing is no longer needed and to send a refund (which they said they refused to do) and 3 other emails to their support people over the last 2 weeks that I received response.  Tried clicking on the link for testing....and was rerouted to what is obviously a dead link.

 

It was only $14 I'm out.  But still, that's not the way to do business.  Don't skip town with other peoples' money.  That's just wrong, regardless of the amount.

 

I'm sure it doesn't get much traction, but I have contested with my credit card and sent this to my Attorney General's Office, for no other reason they can be listed as a fraudulent company.

[dcipjr]

32 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

 I think the AMEX was for LeBistro, but NCL has always let me swap it out for any other Specialty I wanted.

 

Funny...I wanted to try swapping it out for Ocean Blue when I was on the Getaway back in September, but I didn't want to wait in line at the restaurant only to be denied by the Maitre'd.

 

I asked the Haven concierge whether I could swap my Le Bistro cert for another restaurant, and he flatly answered "No."

 

Maybe I should have tried at the restaurant.

Edited October 18, 2022 by dcipjr

[jlacy1987]

When you go, do you mind taking a picture of the little kid ropes course (for those under 48")? We cruise in December and I'm curious to see what the little kid one looks like for our almost 3 year old. 

[graphicguy]

14 minutes ago, jlacy1987 said:

When you go, do you mind taking a picture of the little kid ropes course (for those under 48")? We cruise in December and I'm curious to see what the little kid one looks like for our almost 3 year old. 

Will try to remember.  I don't recall a "kids" rope course, though.  I have seen the "big" one.

[jlacy1987]

1 minute ago, graphicguy said:

Will try to remember.  I don't recall a "kids" rope course, though.  I have seen the "big" one.

It's fine if you don't remember! NCL has on their site that there is a kiddie tykes course for those under 48" tall which is what has me curious. 

[graphicguy]

17 minutes ago, dcipjr said:

 

Funny...I wanted to try swapping it out for Ocean Blue when I was on the Getaway back in September, but I didn't want to wait in line at the restaurant only to be denied by the Maitre'd.

 

I asked the Haven concierge whether I could swap my Le Bistro cert for another restaurant, and he flatly answered "No."

 

Maybe I should have tried at the restaurant.

I'm trying to remember whether I had my Concierge do it, or whether I swapped it at the Specialty Dining desk.  Either way, they said "no problem".

 

NCL used to have the best Concierges at sea.  It sounds like they lost some over the shutdown.  I never had a concierge turn down any reasonable request...and most times, they did what seemed impossible.

[dcipjr]

16 minutes ago, jlacy1987 said:

When you go, do you mind taking a picture of the little kid ropes course (for those under 48")? We cruise in December and I'm curious to see what the little kid one looks like for our almost 3 year old. 

 

I'll check too, since I'll be on the same cruise, and we have a 5 year old.

 

But...

 

We were on the Getaway back in September, and the area that would have been the kids' ropes course (there was a climbing area and a slide) appeared to have been deleted along with the mini golf course. I think this happened when the funnel area was re-done.

 

Not sure if the Breakaway underwent the same refurb and lost those areas as well.