4000 Passengers, One Pool

Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Review to Bermuda

rockit2624

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 10

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

Verified Review

Sail date: August 07, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Breakaway

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 12742

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

Ok, we are not new to cruises, but this was our first (and last) experience on such a large ship. Surprises were in store, and many of these not the good kind.

4000 passengers, one pool. You couldn't fit one person at poolside with a pry bar if you tried. The staff was great. The ship is beautiful. But, once you pay for your cruise, you're not done paying even if you buy extra "packages".

General dining - "up" charges if you wanted better items like lobster or steak. Specialty dining - $25 "cover charge" and then the menu is a la carte.

Shows - Cirque de Sole is advertised in advance of the cruise, but, you guessed it, if you actually want to see the show, yes there is another "up" charge for that. Even if you choose to pay it, the shows are sold out, no seats are available.

The list of "up" charges go on and on. I don't know about you, but after paying all that money to go on the cruise, I hate the idea of paying nickel and dime "service charges" "cover charges" and "additional fees". I would rather lose that money all by myself at the casino.

Thanks but no thanks.

Final comment: my wife was violently ill all night after eating a fish dinner that took 45 minutes to arrive after the salad. We think it was food poisoning. Just what we look forward to in a vacation!

Go at your own risk.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Specialty restaurants very good, at an additional charge. Main dining room resulted in food poisoning.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

We had the schedule. Let's just say we didn't do any of it.

Entertainment

1 out of 5

"There's an extra charge for that" and "sorry, sold out" will be what you hear.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Staff were great.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

It's new and it's beautiful, but you won't see that through the crowds you'll be fighting. Never saw the same people twice.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

400 Square Feet of heavenly bliss. It's like sleeping in a closet.

Ship tip

Don't go. Find a smaller ship without all the hassles, lines and extra fees. Oh, and skip the general dining rooms if you are brave and decide to go.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

New York, New York

5 out of 5

14 Comments

Francina 8 years ago

I can see your point. When I first started cruising on the Chandris Cruise line everythung except alcohol and shore excursion was included. But each year they seem to take away another free item.

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jib614 8 years ago

The 13.50 a day per person service charge is the gratuities. Every ship has that charges as they should and extra charges for specialty restaurants. If you don't want to be nickeled and dimed don't go to these restaurants. Easy peasy. And just plan ahead on cruise planner if you do want reservations

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SueMeserve 8 years ago

Rockit2624 says it right, prepare to be charged $13.50 per person per room for anyone over 3 years old each day for 'service charge'. Fortunately my father paid for our cruise for his 80th birthday so paying $216 for 8 days was the least of our worries. You can Download Iconceirge before you leave home, then launch onboard ($9.99/person), allows booking entertainment from your phone

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mrbrown 8 years ago

Liked it

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deck13 8 years ago

I am sorry to hear you had such an awful experience. I did (am still doing) as much research and pre-planning as possible. I do worry the number of passengers will be an issue for out trip as well. I am glad you don't plan to give up cruising all together and hope your next one is much better.

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nursey10465 8 years ago

I have previously paid cirque, reserved rock of ages, bought dining and beverage packages. Reserved all of our dinner spots, pre paid tips and fees. Hoping to snag Vibe immediately on arrival!! Will be our first cruise in 20 years ( first period for my huband!!) Planning on having the time of our Lives!!! Oh...and excursions are planned, bought, and paid for too!!! 30 more days!! Can't wait!!

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4kids4me 8 years ago

So sorry!! Personally I loved my experience on the Breakaway & would def sail on her again!

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alioop 8 years ago

Well said

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Nypd11483 8 years ago

I've been on this ship before. I planned it all before we boarded. I enjoy everything they had to offer and I actually left with a credit. Oh and the food was most enjoyable. A cruise is what you make it.

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alioop 8 years ago

Like I said ..UGH . I don't know what it is with the whining about "hidden charges" & so called "surprises " & the good old " nickel & diming".... Imesser1959 said it very simply ..PRE CRUISE PLANNING ! Good grief

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lmesser1959 8 years ago

Sounds like you didn't do any pre-cruise planning. With specialty dining packages, there are no ala carte charges and we booked all of our shows and meals in advance. Love our Breakaway cruise!

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alioop 8 years ago

All I can say is...UGH 🙄🙄

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jchrist 8 years ago

Oh no.. so sorry to hear :(

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biker5 8 years ago

Was the adult pool out of order?

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