Worst trip ever!

Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Review to Europe - Mediterranean

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 9
Helpful Votes: 228

Overall rating:

3.2 out of 5
Norwegian Breakaway

10 Night Greek Isles: Santorini Athens & Florence (Rome Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 16, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Breakaway

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9814

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

From the time we booked this cruise until we actually embarked, they had changed 4 different ports. The quality of the food left a lot to be desired. On previous Breakaway cruises, the quality was much better. Lots of port cancelations. The last night, if you had a credit, you had to go collect since they would not apply credit to your credit card on file. Very long lines with lots of unhappy people. I'm thinking twice about taking another NCL cruise and we're shareholders.

Embarkation

2 out of 5
No issues.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
We have 5 nights of Specialty dining. We enjoyed Moderno but our steak at Cagney's was tough or overcooked. Quality was far below previous cruises.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Did not use any of the extra facilities.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Burn the Floor was very good. SIX was ok. Some of the musicians that played in the Atrium was very good.

Service and Staff

2 out of 5
We had to ask for everything from our room steward. Our room was clean but not great service. I blame NCL for some of this since they have cut their staff and now require the ones working more rooms to service.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
The passenger participation shows, Newly-Not So Newly Wed game, bingo, movies, and others were in the Atrium rather than the theater so there were a very limited number of seats available to enjoy. Plus the noise was terrible if you were trying to talk with Customer Service, Excursions, CruiseNext, etc.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
I didn't realize we would have lifeboats just below us so our straight down view was obstructed. The closet opening location is terrible. It's at the end of the sofa and you have about 6". You have to stand off to the side to get into the closet. There were no drawer storage, only shelves and that was limited. Bad design.

Ship tip

You have to be open-minded. Not the best ship.

Ports of call

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

4 out of 5
Embarked at Rome.

Santorini, Greece

5 out of 5
Loved this port except for getting to the town. Must either take the cable car, walk 600 steps, or ride the donkeys. But worth it when you get to the top.

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

4 out of 5
Lots of history but just a big city. It is a "been there, done that" city.

Mykonos, Greece

3 out of 5
Very disappointed in Mykonos after going to Santorini or maybe I should say our ship's tour. Didn't even get to see the windmills. Do not plan on going back.

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece Did not visit port

Seas too rough. Could not dock.

Valletta, Malta

4 out of 5
Malta was nice. It's another "been there, done that" port.

Messina, Sicily Did not visit port

They changed our port to Cantania. Upset this happened. Wanted to go to where Grandfather was filmed.

Salerno (Naples), Italy

4 out of 5
Loved this. The Amalfi coast is beautiful. Did a Cruise to Amalfi which was great. Would go back here.

Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy

3 out of 5
Had previously been to Florence, so didn't take a tour into the city. Walked around Salerno which was nice.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
It was ok. Had a transfer back to the airport.
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7 Comments

Itspeace4me    1 year ago

Thank you for the review.

Gammi6    1 year ago

I agree 100% about the atrium. I said the same thing. Why don’t they use the theater? I can understand if it is a night activity but if it is during the day use the theater.

javawoody    1 year ago

Appreciate your comments

byhisgrace    1 year ago

Appreciate your feedback. Hopefully your next cruise will be better

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

AuntPinkie    1 year ago

Great itinerary. Appreciate your informative and detailed review. Sorry this cruise didn’t meet your expectations.

cruising2004    1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your cruising experience.

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