READY TO DO THIS AGAIN!!!

NCL BREAKAWAY is the best value on the seas. This cruise was sold out prior to sail date, so we were glad that we chose a Balcony Cabin, since there would not have been any to upgrade to. The same was true last year this time when we sailed to the Bahamas aboard this ship. It was worth a repeat journey.

This category stateroom has adequate space, plenty of storage, an inroom safe for valuables, sleeps 4 or 2 twins can be combined to make a king sized bed, but the balcony is small - just enough space to have a drink while watching the horizon, sunrise or sunset - weather permitting of course. Check the NCL website for more details.

This voyage encountered a Nor'easter when embarking, the Captain decided to delay it until 2a.m. Excellent call on his part. This detoured our course which also enabled us to avoid the roughest part of Hurricane Joaquin, which minimized the occurance of seasickness. Additionally, a passenger became seriously ill and we incurred another delay to detour back toward the USA to enable US Coast Guard helicopter to airlift that passenger. I appreciated that the Captain would inform all on board via the PA system as to the adjustments in course that were necessary. Due to those changes we had to rely on the Cruise Director and staff for entertainment. We were not disappointed. If you haven't cruised in awhile expect to pay for specialty offerings and restaurants. It is only fair to expect to pay for the services you chose to enjoy and not expect that it be included in the fares of the guest who chose not to participate. In reality, the complimentary activities and restaurants are very well done. If you want something additional expect to pay for it. I will not complain about the size of the adult pool since, I was aware of it from our prior cruise. This ship is only two years old and this our second cruise aboard her.

We chose to purchase the Ultimate Dining Package [specialty restaurants] for 6 nights and the Unlimited Beverage Package. Which means that as soon as we boarded the ship, we put a drink in our hands without being charged to our onboard account - good news for our wallet. Also, we then went to make reservations at the Specialty Restaurants, since this cruise was sold out. The complimentary restaurants were very good for breakfast and lunch, our favorites were SAVOR and TASTE for wait staff dining. The GARDEN Buffet was more than adequate for the times when we missed the aforementioned restaurants.

The Cruise Director and staff were very friendly during events that they presented and when we encountered them elsewhere during the cruise. The Cruise Director even remembered to call my husband by name. If you chose not to attend any of these events, there are CCTV versions to watch on the TV in our room. There could have been more updated selections for TV viewing but with so much to do and see on this ship, we really cares. I observed that most activities and events are handicap accessible.

Thank goodness the Hurricane didn't do any irrepairable damage to the island of Bermuda and its inhabitants. The excursions went on rain or shine, which makes sense - when rainy every activity is a water activity. The passengers that paid for excursions that were missed due to the previously mentioned adjustments in travel were refunded their monies when they went to Guest Services and presented their proof of purchase vouchers that awaited them in their staterooms.

All in all, It was a good time.