A Lot to Like, But Some Misses

Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Review to Bermuda

mackrobin

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 38

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Sail date: September 27, 2015

Ship: Norwegian Breakaway

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 years ago

Review summary

We are seasoned cruisers and very easygoing. We don't expect luxury on a giant ship like the Breakaway. Embarkation was easy and our cabin, an oceanview at the very front of the shop, was ready at 1 p.m. We had been warned that the first day would be one in which crowding would be unavoidable, so we were not surprised to wait for elevators or not find seating at the buffet. As we had heard, crowding was mostly bearable although we learned quickly to get to non-reserveable shows early and to make reservations for everything that could be reserved (dinner, main theater shows, excursions). The crowd was very diverse with quite a few large family groups. Since it was during schooltime, most children were under the age of 6.

As many others have said before, the pool area for adults is ridiculous, almost an afterthought. However, we found the decks above the pools usually had chairs available until about noon each day. We were also able to access hot tubs almost any time of the day.

We're not big on the scheduled daytime activities, but we did attend a couple of programs offered by the staff which discussed the business of running the ship. We enjoyed the shows including Rock of Ages, the dance group, Howling at the Moon, Second City, etc. We also enjoyed the piano and guitar entertainment.

Our cabin, due to its location, had extra room which was appreciated. The closet was large and had sufficient hanging space, but the shelf space was poor. The bathroom, on the other hand, was one of the best. It had lots of shelf space and the shower was spacious for a cruise ship. We only got two towels, which seemed stingy. We actually never learned the name of our steward, although our room was always made up and ready for us.

We loved Bermuda! The docking location was great--close to all you needed to get around the island.

I would recommend the Breakaway to others. The Bermuda itinerary is great and three full days at sea allow for a nice cruise experience. The "giant" ship allows for more variety of experiences, but has a few drawbacks. We met many people who had cruised on the Breakaway before and were back for more.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The buffet was always crowded, but Savor and Taste were a haven. O'Sheehan's was great for breakfast and for special dinners.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Ship tip

The further up you go, the more likely you are to find a lounge chair.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

New York, New York

5 out of 5

16 Comments

Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise.

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sbrougfam 9 years ago

Wow, I am so sorry that you had to endure such shocking lack of decorum and incompetence at the highly self advertised Mandara Spa. I sure hope that you issue a point by point complaint to the highest administration levels of NCL. As an "I'm no angel" sized female, and judging from many of the guests aboard this cruise, I will be sure to let them know that if they intend to get my $$$ at the Spa next cruise, they are warned to invest in at least 1 gross size 2X Spa robes before I cruise from NYC with NCL again next year. I look forward to SPA weeks in NYC, so next year is "pamper myself" cruise time. And just like the police department needs to step up their sensitivity training, NCL needs to conduct Workshops for all of their staff as to appropriate SPA etiquette, sensitivity and conduct. Thanks for baring NCLs dirty laundry.

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morgancn 9 years ago

The spa itself is gorgeous. Treatment, locker room, relaxation room beautiful! customer service on the other hand, sad!:( I arrived @ 11 am Thursday for an 11:30 service, the receptionist is not at all familiar with the spa intake process. Long story short, my therapist did not show,I was LIVID! Found her boss and his boss, they tracked her down. Her time with another client ran over but the receptionist was supposed to inform me, she did not. Everyone apologized and offered me discounts etc. The Massage was HEAVENLY. My therapist was great. The robes were too small. I wore underwear since it is recommended by Mandara Spa, good thing too...as I lounged in Relaxation room, somewhat exposed in a robe that was clearly too small, a male attendant strolled in looked around and cleaned the sink, greeted me like it was nothing for him to see near naked women all day. I was not comfortable with that. Then, as I walked up to the locker room my ears rang from all of the laughing, screaming and hollering in the hallway by male employees in white uniform, they were in positions of authority, they knew better. I had to remind them that Spa's are QUIET sanctiaries, not football stadiums. Beautiful Ship, terrible customer service.

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sbrougfam 9 years ago

Nope, no passenger self operated laundry room. However, NCL does offer dry cleaning and laundry services. My husband uses them every cruise, so he can bring the smallest suitcase.

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sandy923 9 years ago

Thank You!!

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sbrougfam 9 years ago

that was it. how was the spa? That's the only thing that I am still curious about?

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morgancn 9 years ago

No laundromat for passengers on the ship, I asked every steward I could find, hoping for a different answer.

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morgancn 9 years ago

So did I, if that is the beach walkable from the ship. I do not remember the beach name.

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sandy923 9 years ago

do they have a laundry room on this ship???

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sbrougfam 9 years ago

I did too. The next day I went to Snorkel Beach.

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morgancn 9 years ago

God surely did Bless every aspect of this cruise. I will be sure to depart a few weeks earlier during warmer weather .

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morgancn 9 years ago

I went to Tappan yak Thursday night

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sbrougfam 9 years ago

I was on the same sailing. We endured the weather and illness. And made sure that we had a good time. Ready to do this again, same time next year.

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sbrougfam 9 years ago

Morgancn when did you go to Tappenyaki?

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morgancn 9 years ago

I was on this cruise too. Had a great time. The pool, theatre seemed to be after thoughts, as common space. The atrium was nice, but drowned out the surrounding areas like the library, bowling lanes ets. Customer service overall was SUB PAR! I was disappointed in that area, although Antuan, the Solo Travelers coordinator was Excellent. Much of the ships "smart" design was impressive, such as frosted shower stalls that eliminated the need for shower curtains, charging a fee for room service, deterred abuse and hallways were always clean and clear as a result.The food was OK at best. Entertainment was very good, Cirque dinner show was EXCELLENT. Tappan yak was excellent. Bermuda dock was in an excellent location. Timing, despite several delays in travel was excellent. Debarkation was relatively easy this morning. I have alot to comment on but for now, I had a great time and will cruise on the Breakaway again. I was pleasantly surprised by my room, an ocean view on the 5th floor. it was HUGE, I even Napped in the window a few times and I am a big woman. It was quiet too. I worried that I would be subject "mechanical noise" being on the "first level", but I was not at all. Solo Travelers Group was awesome! I made new friends and enjoyed the best of both worlds, the benefits of sleeping in and participating in activities of my choice when I chose and the benefit,of companionship and community when I chose.

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Skyy 9 years ago

I had a great time too I was on the same cruise as you. I was just surprised that the pool was so deep. Only got in once but I almost went under uugghh

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