NCL has improved its food quality and the entertainment is always excellent. There were many things that were not the quality I would expect on any ship. The tops of the sheets were frayed the whole week (unacceptable), had to request a refund from a missed port (unacceptable), you have to inquire about a loyalty party and receive your loyalty pin ONLY ON THE FIRST DAY BY 9 PM (always long lines first day), the duty free shop gave a smaller discount than expected for loyalty level, room steward should introduce his/her self on the first day and ask if there is anything they can do for you (didn't happen).
Embarkation
3 out of 5
The port of New Orleans felt very grimy and crowded. It is close to downtown though.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
In general the food was excellent but the prices in the specialty restaurants are way overpriced.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
The activities are pretty much the same on all ships and all cruise lines. Same game, same outcome.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
NCL does a great job with the major production/Broadway shows on their ships and this one was no acceptation.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
I was very surprised that I never saw or met my room steward until the 5th day of the cruise. I asked for ice daily in my room and only received it twice.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
One problem with this ship, and maybe it is with all the Breakaway class ships, is that the casino is in the middle of the ship with open areas to other floors. This allows the smoky smell to rise throughout the middle of the ship. My first impression of the ship on embarkation was that it smelled awful.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
This cabin was very small (but not as small as the solo rooms). I travel solo and I could not imagine this room being adequate for 2 people. There was not much storage at all.
Ship tip
The NCL Breakaway needs a facelift. It is showing her age.
We could not get into this port due to high winds. I inquired about a port tax refund the following day and was told that there wouldn't be any because it was weather related. Later in the week I found out that I could get a $10 refund ONLY IF I ASKED FOR IT. This is unacceptable. It should have been automatically applied to all of the guests accounts.
We sailed on the Breakaway in December of '13 out of Manhattan, shortly after it came over across the pond. At that point, it had that still new feel. Sorry to hear it didn't meet your expectations.
I'd take up that port fee with the card you used to book your cruise and file a dispute claim, that's just not right or ETHICAL to retain fees and charges for services NOT rendered.
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