Norwegian Breakaway - Thoughts

[simmons_m]

Has anyone here cruised on the Norwegian Breakaway out of NYC?
Considering moving from a DCL cruise to the Eastern Caribbean to the NCL one that goes from NYC to Bermuda and back.
Thoughts appreciated.
Mike

 

[Dorisk3]

I've been on the Breakaway twice so far, one of those going to Bermuda. NCL has some great deals going on right now and your money will go a lot further than on DCL for sure. Food is very good and specialty restaurants are also very good. Entertainment is fun, Rock of Ages is excellent.

As far as itinerary, personally I think Bermuda is a very special place and the nicest island I've ever been to. Three days there is a nice amount of time to explore and their public transportation system is easy to use.

The Breakaway has a few downsides. Balconies are small. Deck space in the shade can be hard to come by sometimes. Overall though we did thoroughly enjoy both of our cruises and would definitely sail with ncl again.

 

[darrengs]

I have friends on the Breakaway right now. They are loving it

 

[txvjc]

We went on the Breakaway in 2013 (like the 7th sailing) to Bermuda and really liked it...it was our first non-Disney cruise so that was a little bit of an adjustment getting use to the freestyle way of dining and the weird kid's club hours but it was still very enjoyable...we LOVED being in the same port for three days as it gave you lots of time to really explore the island (aka book non-cruiseline excursions without the worry of being left behind, go out at night to the club if that is your thing)...transporatation to the other cities by boat or bus is easily avaiable from the port (though the bus rides can be hair-raising the way they drive...they even have souviners making fun of the buses, but we always felt safe)...the ship was nice and while big overall, still had a small feel with almost everything easily located in the middle of the ship...Rock of Ages was great (don't take kids..we didn't but saw ppl that did and then ended up leaving very eraly becuase they weren't comfortable with what was on stage and/or the kids didn't care and were making a scene)...MDR restaurant staff was really hit or miss but the food was good...lots of specialty restaurants to choose from...we ate from the buffet several times and found it very freah with lots of options

 

[simmons_m]

Thanks all, appreciate the feedback and experience

 

[EPCOTatNight]

Anyone else?

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Thanks all, appreciate the feedback and experience

Hope it's okay to suggest another web site here, but since I figure it's not a Disney one, it's okay. I have found www.cruisecritic.com to be extremely helpful over the years, have recommended it numerous times to others, and find myself reading it for "fun and wishing". You can look up your specific ship, itinerary, excursions, stateroom, etc. - all very detailed info. You can even find your particular sailing ("role call"), and start to "meet" your sailing mates, if that appeals to you. Great site, scads of info. If you go, have a wonderful adventure.

 

[disneysteve]

We have not sailed on Breakaway but we did do Norwegian Dawn from NYC to Bermuda. We absolutely loved Bermuda. I can't wait to go back. And a cruise is such a great way to do it. The ship basically serves as your hotel while you have several days to explore the island, which is very different than most cruises where you're only in port from 8am to 4pm and then you're off to another destination.

We were not impressed with NCL Dawn but that's not really relevant to your question. I second the recommendation to go to cruisecritic.com for more information. You can find out everything you could possibly want to know about the ship and the island there.

 

[EmmabaRose]

Not done the Breakaway, but I hear its an amazing ship! My only cruise to date was on NCL's Epic and I had the best time! The food was brilliant, my room was incredible (I stayed in one of their solo cabins and I showered by mood lighting every day!). Would definitely recommend cruising with NCL.

I also agree with the PP's to check out cruisecritic.com. Its an amazing resource, really helped me when I was planning my trip.

 

[simmons_m]

Update on this post.
We cruised the breakaway, from NYC to Bermuda in October.
Pros -
The haven was amazing, I don't think we would cruise Norwegian again, if we did not book the haven.
The haven pool area and outdoor seating area were quiet and relaxing, with great service.
The flexible dining was great, we enjoyed the steak house, seafood restaurant, and Italian restaurant
Exiting the ship at the end of the cruise was very easy, we were escorted to the customs area. If you stay on the haven level, take advantage of the breakfast on the final day.
Cons -
Butler service was not really noticeable, this may be a result of being aft, on the ship, away from the main haven area.
Smoke mid-ship was bad, especially near the casinos.
Service was not the level we experience on the Disney cruises.
Mike