Loved our first NCL cruise!
Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)
Sail date: March 10, 2019
Ship: Norwegian Breakaway
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 12633
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 1 year ago
Review summary
This was a GREAT cruise! We loved the bars and entertainment. We chose NCL because we are not "hang out by the pool or on the beach" kind of people. But we love to stay busy with activities and things to do. The Breakaway Daily Activity schedule always had several things we enjoyed doing that were offered free. We loved Shakers Bar and the bar outside of Syd Norman's on the outside of the ship. The free restaurants were fine and we enjoyed the food. The entertainment is extremely professional from the shows to the musicians. This made the cruise for us as that was part of the key components important to us. Great ship, even during a sold our Spring Break ship. Crowds were well-managed and we didn't experience problems from crowds. We did everything we wanted so the ship and staff can handle crowds well.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Maltings on the Waterfront
This was our favorite bar, especially at night. Courtney and Newman are super good bartenders and the view of the ocean is perfect here.
Mixx Bar
This bar is located between Taste and Savor. It is just down from the Atrium Bar. Unfortunately, it has pretty limited hours but it would be much better if it would remain open and relieve congestion at the Atrium Bar.
Shanghai's Noodle Bar
The food was good and the service was great. But it is right next to the smoking casino so that interferes with it. TIP: Eat there on the first day before the casino opens up as the casino is non-smoking until it is open and operating.
Maltings Beer and Whiskey Bar
Great selection of drinks on their specialty cocktail menu. Newman is a great bartender.
The Manhattan Room Restaurant
A little dressier than Taste and Savor. Great dinner menu and enjoyable live music.
Taste Restaurant
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all very good.
Shaker's Cocktail Bar
Our favorite indoor bar! We had every cocktail on the menu, ,many more than once! Great bartenders and nightly entertainment.
Savor Restaurant
Good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar and Grille
I love the 24 hour option for food and drinks. We enjoyed late night pub food here several times. Service isn't fast, but it isn't bad.
Garden Café
Large variety of food but they struggle to keep the food hot enough.
Bar at the Atrium
Drinks are good, bartenders are friendly. But this is likely the busiest bar on the ship.
Onboard Activities
Free Fall
Really fun water slide!
The Whip
Fun water slide!
Mini Golf
Fun animated decor on the holes.
Entertainment
Video Zone
Our teens enjoyed both arcades -- the main arcade and the one to the side of Osheehans.
Headliners Comedy Club
We did not see any of the comedians but LOVED Howl at the Moon that was available most nights. Fun sing-along dualing piano bar that you really should take time to enjoy.
The Atrium
Just needs to be larger to accommodate the quantity of activities hosted here.
Spiegel Tent
We enjoyed the Cirque Show, Escape the Big Top, and Wine Lover's The Musical in this venue. Loved all three experiences.
Breakaway Theater
The shows in here are all excellent! The seats are comfortable, the stage is large. There are cocktail servers but they are busy. You might just bring your own beverage with you.
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
If you want to eat in the noodle bar, do it early on the first day. The casino is non-smoking until the casino opens. So eat at the noodle bar before the casino opens up for the cruise.
Ports of call
Disembarkation
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