Very relaxing, wonderful cruise

Item: Norwegian Breakaway
Rating: 3.9
Author: joanyg123

Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Review

joanyg123

Contributor Level: Purser

152 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 98

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 30, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Breakaway

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Even though ship was booked full, I rarely felt overwhelmed with the amount of people. Caveat to that is that I did not visit pool on sea days. Otherwise, crowd was not a problem. Cruise went very smoothly and I had a great, relaxing time on this ship. Staff was friendly, food was of good quality, and activities kept me entertained. The reviews had me concerned prior to me embarking but those concerns were unfounded. I enjoyed the Breakaway and the ports visited. I would do again and also recommend without hesitation. Only “complaint” is my Wi-Fi experience. I paid for premium access and that was a waste. Wi-Fi was spotty, although access to social media was never an issue.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

We arrived around 1 pm and got right on. Yes, there were plenty of other guest there as well but embarkation went very smoothly. Just a FYI—the CC I used to pre-check in was lost a month prior. At embarkation check in, I wasn’t able to provide them with my new card. I had to do that on the ship at guest services.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

To be honest, I can only comment on the buffet, O’Sheehans, and Moderno’s for breakfast. This trip, we did not partake in specialty restaurants. This was a fully booked ship—lots of guest, including ~1200 kids on board. I was never annoyed by other guests in the buffet, I could get the items I needed without an issue, and the staff was always friendly

Garden Café

4 out of 5

I already spoke about this above. Food was fresh and temp appropriate. Although the ship was full, we never had an issue in getting the items we needed. There were only 2 of us so we never had an issue finding a table. The food availability is standard offerings but I was never disappointed with quality.

Dolce Gelato

4 out of 5

Gelato was good!

The Bake Shop

1 out of 5

Do not buy “specialty” cupcakes. They are stale.

O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar and Grille

4 out of 5

Was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food. We went here for breakfast and for dinner. Both times the food was good and hot.

Moderno Churrascaria

4 out of 5

Really only went there for breakfast buffet. The buffet is the same as the garden cafe but with less options, but it is a relaxing break from the huddle of the garden cafe for breakfast.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Rock of Ages was awesome. If you’re not one to be offended by adult language and situations, this is a must see.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

After reading the reviews here, I was concerned prior to going on the ship. I considered all staff I interacted with helpful and friendly. At most (or worst), there may have been 1 or 2 bartenders that I would consider indifferent but not rude. The workers on this ship work hard, long hours. I am appreciative of the quality service they provided.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Awesome. We had “won” a bid for an upgrade and was assigned this room with a large balcony. I was already spoiled by a balcony in that I never thought I could do without, but now it is worse. ;0) The large balcony allowed for lounging. I spent plenty of time enjoying the sea breeze along with the sound of the waves. I was so relaxed. Although I did miss being closer to the buffet/pool area, I did like the proximity to the central areas of the ship (atrium, waterfront, etc).

Ship tip

Book shows prior to arrival if possible. For reservations that can not be made prior to boarding, go as soon as possible to box office and/or screens to book events you are interested in. But my main advice is just go with the flow. You’re in a cruise—enjoy and do not seat the small stuff. I will say this. I paid for premium data plan. Waste of money! Wi-Fi stinks. If you want dat access, stick with basic.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

4 out of 5

We booked excursion through trip advisor/Bodden Tours. It was called Zip n Dip. It included a visit with sloths, monkeys (better than I expected, zip lining, and a beach break. All parts of excursion was of great quality. Beach/water was beautiful. Didn’t explore the port area much but it seems fine if you wanted to stay near ship but have a couple hours off.

Thumbs Up 8

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

3 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

Harvest Caye, Belize

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

Again, I was prepared for the worse based on reviews but disembarkation went smoothly. Once my tag color was called, I was off the ship w/in a half hour.