Quite relaxing as visited only 3 ports and did excursion on one only compared to other cruises (especially Europe) where it's get up early get on a bus for an all day excursion. My theory about the food was that the food was bad on the same ship in Europe because that's where they provision the ship and I believe my non-scientific study provided to be correct. Provisioning the ship in New Orleans made a world of difference. I ran into the ship's restaurant manager and told him such and congratulated him on the dining.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
No line and were on the ship almost immediately
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We were on Breakaway May 2018 Baltic Sea out of Copenhagen and food was horrible except perhaps Cagney's. Back on Breakaway (even same cabin!) and 100% different. Excellent food in Manhattan Room, Cagney's and Le Bistro. Wide selection, food came out HOT. LaCunchia Italian restaurant was only mediocre. Buffet was good but only had some breakfast and lunches there. Ate in Margaritaville breakfast buffet 3 times. No line and multiple tables always available. Beacuse it's upcharge for lunch and dinner not sure many people knew it was free for breakfast. Not as extensive as the regular buffet but if you just want eggs (also omelette station), bacon, breads it's fine. Last night prime rib in Manhattan room was best prime rib we've had on a cruise ship and we cruise almost every 6 months. The last day we had sit-down breakfast and lunch in Savor and it was so nice to eat on white tablecloth and be served and pampered. Much rather do that than fend for yourself buffet.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Did very few on board activities except pool. I think people camp out all night so they can put their towel on a pool lounge by 0600. Found chairs one deck above pool by 10:00 but most were reserved after that.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Rock of Ages show was not our cup of tea so we left after 30 minutes. Burn the floor was entertaining and enjoyed the hard work the dancers put into it.
Children's Programs
no kids although there were plenty on board
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Dining room staff was great and food service generally prompt. Room steward friendly, unobtrusive and our room was always refreshed. The bar was another story. Turns out our cruise had 500+ high rollers from various casinos around the country so the bars were packed day and night. Invariably stood in line or had to elbow ourselves up to the bar to get a beverage. The bartenders did there best and were friendly but the bars were understaffed for the number of people cashing in on their beverage program.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
We really like the ship design and quite modern. Only two banks of elevators instead of 3 but usually didn't wait long.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Better cabins compared to Princess. They even have glass shower door instead of the dreaded plastic curtain. Although balcony is smaller on Breakaway with tiny table
Did Salsa excursion arranged on our own and saved 50% of price rather than doing same thing through NCL. Learned how to make salsa, guaq and all the Margarita's and Tequila shots you could drink. Salute!
Walked off ship to portside souvenier area along with 10,000 others(3 ships including Allure). Bought a shirt. Spent maybe an hour walking around. No excursion interested us.
Never even had to go to a lounge as they called our group off as we walked toward it. Line to get on ramp was long because it is only one person wide. Suitcases awaited us, got right on bus and directly to airport. Recommend you pay for NCL transfer to airport if your flight leaves after 12 noon. Worth the cost
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