Not what I was expecting

Item: Norwegian Breakaway
Rating: 3.8
Author: ItsMeChrisB

Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Review to Caribbean - Bahamas

ItsMeChrisB

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 74

Overall rating:

3.8 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Bahamas & Florida (New York Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 05, 2017

Ship: Norwegian Breakaway

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 5740

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

The ship is marvelous. The cabin we had was spacious (handicap room) and the bathroom was excellent. The service was sub par, I have been on other cruises and this was by far the worst. The waiters and waitresses were often depressed looking and short. I don't agree with the automatically charged "service fee". I feel they didn't deserve it. The activities on the ship are very good, the water park is great. Mini-golf is fun. Did not get to try the rope course due to high winds, but it definitely looks like a good time. The pool was undersized for the amount of people that wanted to swim. The hot tubs fill up fast (as always). The food gets boring after day 4. I won't be taking another NCL cruise. I won't recommend NCL to anyone.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

It's the same ingredients cooked in similar ways, over and over and over and over and over...

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

There is A LOT to do. Read the schedule the night before and try to plan what you want to do, chances are, you won't be able to do it all.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Entertainment was good, good shows, fun DJ's, this was the shinning star of the cruise.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

I have 2 teens and the teen club on board was very friendly and my kids enjoyed their time there.

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Compared to other cruises, this crew was by far the saddest bunch. Most looked depressed or suicidal. I felt like they were only working on the ship because the cruise line had a family member of theirs held for ransom.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Ship is top-notch, very clean, even after all the vomit in the elevators and hallways, it never smelts bad for long.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Loved the size of the room, Loved the view, Loved the storage, Loved the bathroom, HATE the automatic handicap door. I know it's there for a reason, but if no one in the room is handicap, it should have an off button. Basically the door automatically opens and closes for a predetermined amount of time and no matter what you do, you have to wait.

Ship tip

Don't gorge yourself with anything and everything you want at the buffet the first couple nights. By the 4th day you will HATE everything available. Concentrate on types of food and work a meal plan by day so that you can stretch the flavors out. The 3 comp. dining restaurants have the same menu.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

New York, New York

3 out of 5

It's busy and loud...

Thumbs Up 0

Port Canaveral, Florida

3 out of 5

I wish the port was closer to the beach. The shuttle to the beach from the cruise line was unclear and I still don't know how it worked, we got an uber.

Thumbs Up 2

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

5 out of 5

They have a buffet on the island, bring a snorkel, very nice cove.

Thumbs Up 4

Nassau, Bahamas

5 out of 5

Nassau is awesome. Cool locals, plenty of bars and restaurants. The straw market is fun, never pay asking price. Junkanoo beach (free and in walking distance) was a blast, there is a crazy side and a family side, both are great! Awesome snorkeling.

Thumbs Up 38

Traveler Photos

8 Comments

Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Ejan 7 years ago

Taste, Savor and the Manhattan have identical menus. The food is inexpensive. Lots of pasta and starch.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

seamist4me 7 years ago

I'll give you my review going June 4 th on this ship can't wait! I'll be doing a video also that will be on you tube. Keep smiling and pack a good attitude ð

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

fishface 7 years ago

we had a blast in November the food was wonderful, especially in Savor. The service was fast and courteous, most people that complain on here about the staff wouldn't get out of bed for what they are paid, and add to that away from their family for 8months, long shifts with no days off, and expected to do emergency drill during your precious break time.

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

Abbykeenan 7 years ago

It makes me laugh when people say the workers are short or depressed. Oh man I wonder if anyone of these people could even dream of a day in their shoes. I have been on a few cruises and NEVER had a rude staff member. The staff works harder than most anyone on this chat board. Cut them some slack. Hand them a 20 and say thank you.

Thumbs Up 4

Flag

Blondy 7 years ago

True my husband and I went on last September and we loved it. The ship is clean the room was clean the food was so-so but it was great and other places. I guess you're picky!â¤ð³ðð¤ð©ðð¼

Thumbs Up 4

Flag

alaska1692 7 years ago

I agree with you clferr.... I was on the Breakaway this past December. I had a wonderful time. not one complaint. As far as the service fee, the staff deserve it, they work very hard. Taste , Savor and the Manhattan room were great restaurants. Sheehan was an excellent bar to hang out at, and food was great also. I don't understand the negative reviews. I would definitely go on the Breakaway again.

Thumbs Up 6

Flag

clferr 7 years ago

What service fee are you referring too? There is a daily service charged to everyone which is split between housekeeping, waiters and others. There are plenty of places to eat that are free. There is also the adults only area on deck 16 at the back which has hot tubs and a very nice waterfall area. Best way to find things is to explore the ship. Many people only eat in the buffet and dont try the other restaurants offered. Taste and Savor are both excellent along with O'Sheenans.

Thumbs Up 14

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Group Trip to Bahamas

Unforgettable vacation with family

great cruise