Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Reviews - Reviews

This was our third time on the Norwegian Breakaway and we were, once again very pleased. As usual, the staff was very professional and courteous. The dining experience was exceptional, lunch at the Uptown Grill is always enjoyable. The entertainment was varied and well done, although in some venues the decibel levels were excessive, especially the theater and Spice H2O.    

My wife and I are very pleased with the ship and the itinerary. The crew and staff were very accommodating and the Balcony room spacious and kept immaculate.  Each excursion was interesting and as described.  The meals were varied and Cagney's Steakhouse beyond expectations.  

the service charges are way out of line, the are double dipping on the charges we pay 18% additional with the daily  service charges  on the specialty restaurants . Included in the service charges were for the dining room when the dining room for lunch was closed on all 8 port days. The buffet needs a complete overhaul the other options weren't any better.  We had spoken with several passengers who were not al loyal as we are and they got upgrades from a inside to a balcony. one couple we spoke to got an upgrade from a mini suite to the Haven. We never ever got an upgrade  I hope this reaches Ncl CEO

Donnie,

   Please call me on Monday Jan. 18 2016 to start detail dispute on all charges concerning our 14 day NCL cruise out of NYC. I will be sending you photos and all documentation (with as much detail as possible) including DR bills from their hospital to get reimbursed from travel insurance. Below are just a small portion of reasons we where terrible dissatisfied with NCL breakaway.

Cabin bathroom-five days out of first week every morning our toilet would not work. The second week 2x times that I could remember. Meet with Jatin (which I will send you a copy of his card). Explanation was that someone in forward cabins was putting something down toilet affecting all of ship. It was very disgusting DAILY to not be able to flush toilet.  The second week we where at show at breakaway and my handicap son after being sick needed to use bathroom and all toilets in front of ship on public floors 6/7/8 where all out and was told AGAIN nothing they could do we would have to go all the way back to rear of ship... Sadly he did not make it in time!!!! This is TOTALLY unacceptable.

    Before entering ship we signed a form denying charges for kids.. Well while we arranging room our youngest went to video arcade and played games totaling approx 180.00 dollars. Granted this was finally taken care of after 3 phone calls because they said "it would have to be looked into".. They 2x only partial credit we where called and told "we made an addition error". In this day and time with computer it is virtually impossible to make an addition error...

 On second day at sea, the children's pool was down for "repairs".   On 3rd day at sea since we where unable to use Childrens pool and the fact that our family dynamic is 4 adults and one child age 10 we started swimming in "adult pool" (which at this time had NO IDEA there was an age restriction.)  my wife and youngest son was called out causing a HUGE scene being told no children where allowed in pool and that they could not accommodate a family of 5 due to there is 4000 other people on ship and rules are rules and the head bar manage literally told me word for word standing on pool deck "NCL has best customer rating on all cruise lines" and that they have cruise critics on every cruise to insure highest rating and that if his actions where wrong they would of noticed cause they where by pool... Honestly I could care less about any of this. From a professional standpoint this should of NEVER been said by a senior officer!!! Again we meet with Jetin to be told that "he would look into it. But most likely not be able to "change company policy". This was then escalated to my wife being told by same bar manager that he was going to call security and her and my son would be "escorted of ship" over setting in a hot tub.... This right here not to mention ANY thing else is why we will not pay ANY of NCL charges having to do with accommodations or service gratitudes. PERIOD!!! The most unprofessional circumstances I have ever witnessed.

   After requesting EASILY handicap accessible rooms (which I know you Donnie did for us) and being contacted by NCL prior to leaving on cruise to fill out handicap request form, which we did and have confirmation of NCL receiving. We requested distilled water for Regans breathing machine (which is medically ordered.  Never once did we receive any. Hallways would not accommodate is medical stroller and at least 2-5x DAILY we would have to either personally move or wait on Stuart to move house keeping carts. (See Photos) this also will be discussed concerning Regans hospital bill and diagnoses. Room we where assigned had a pole directly in middle of both doors narrowing access to each room and is stroller would not even fit. (Again see photo) we called front desk and was told first day "sorry we have at full capacity" and there was not any effort made to try and accommodate my son handicap medical needs. AT ALL!!! Concerning the rooms initially when we arrived there was 2 different stateroom attendants and we would request something and was told at least 3x when they arrived "sorry this is not my room" and we would have to wait for different guy... PLEASE explain how with technology we have today that ANYONE would think this is acceptable for a family occupying 2 rooms jointly?????

      On to food and service... One morning my wife ordered French toast without raisins and we where informed that it would take 20-25 min. When it arrived it was so raw that when my wife cut into the bread it ran out onto the plate. This was at Taste. Then returned with replacement order WITH raisins... We had standing order for appetizer of tomato  caprese, and after 3 day of it arriving GREEN (see photos) and NEVER once was oil and balsamic brought with order.  We meet with head matadee of Taste because that night also 3 of 5 dishes where delivered to table COLD.  We where "assured" it would be taken care of. The photo you will see was the following day after showing still how green..  The next day after returning to room NCL had delivered a tray of appetizers to each room with RAW shrimp and cream cheese on them and left the setting out all day at room temperature ( I guess expecting us to eat them). AGAIN if anyone was paying any attention at management level at all this could NEVER happen. On several occasions my family and wife was told by waiters "getting us a soda in Garden Cafe "was not my job" one name was Lavon Charles.  Concerning the Garden Cafe everyday food was mostly the same With VERY little variance.  Customer service was very poor and felt very under staffed.

 We also contacted a second "customer service manager name was ERIC. Nothing was accomplished by this either. Purchased Spa package and 2 days spa was closed in portions and again was told nothing they could do. I think 1-day was credited. That is not point. It is there responsibility so supply the services paid for regardless.

   Now on the a very serious issue. Again my son is handicap and has a very extensive medical background spanning 16+ years and followed by numerous medical specialist (which have been contacted) and will be sending reports on the severity of negligence in medical care. We arrived at hospital at 10:17 AM and was informed this was "after hours because service ended at 10:00. Yes please try and wrap your head around this... After being told all services would have to be paid up front he was diagnosed with phonemonia  and given Antibiotic and steroid. The next day after we contacted Jetin again after being told by room Stuart and EVEN the head floor 12 hotel room manager that there was not any sanitizer that could be given, to help stop spread of sickness to other family members. It was also very importance to sanitize Regans breathing machine hose. This was also related to Jetin I which we where told he would get back to use and NOTHING was ever done for 3 days . The last 2 days he was unable to even wear machine even though he has severe sleep appnia. Not to mention now I am sick and my wife. Also this was going around ship with cough and sore thought. 

This was my second cruise on the Breakaway but the 14 days on this ship without ever getting bored or disappointed has made me a Norwegian fan. There was not one instance that disappointed me.  Loved the dining options, the islands and tours  entertainment and especially the warm and friendly staff. You will not be disappointed.  Fun for all ages!

We had a wonderful cruise, the only thing they need to improve on is the room stewards, I waited 4 days for drinking glasses in my room then went down to talk to them about it they took care of it immediately, they do not clean the rooms until late afternoon which they should be done in the morning.  Jason in the Manhattan room was the best he deserves a raise made each night we ate there very enjoyable.  Arvin & Emily are 2 GREAT singers in the Atrium we listened to them each evening NCL should contract with them for many years they made each evening a pleasure.

I enjoyed the cruise a lot, but experienced nothing but rudeness and frustration on the trip to fort de France. The people were rude and unhelpful and they tried to charge much more than was reasonable (for example they tried to get 2 American dollar per euro when the conversion rate is 1 dollar to .9 euros). I also felt like there were some hidden fees on the ship such as service fees. Other than that I loved the staff and the food. 

The only great was food and drinks.....  embarkation/disembarkation process awful, entertainment is the worst we seen before on cruises.  Only duo and jazz was ok.   Pool is small for this size of ship, just few bars have coffee machine for espresso/cappuccino.    Be prepared to pay for EVERYTHING.   Some officers are rude and liars.   However, steward was great, some waiters great.    Out of all specialty restaurants only steakhouse and seafood are great, other are just ok.

Never ever with Norwegian again

It's a beautiful ship. However, it was booked to capacity, making it difficult to enjoy. It was nearly impossible to find a seat at the trivia games, presentations, or bars.

The staff was nice and in particular, the engineers were lifesavers. I broke my glasses and a guest services concierge and two engineers fixed them. They were great. Otherwise, the staff was clueless - any time my husband or I asked a question we were given 10different answers. For example - do we need our passports to get off at Great Stirrup Cay? One said yes. Another no. Another said we needed a photocopy of our passports. Another told us that they had no idea and transferred us to guest services where no one ever answered the phone. Turns out we didn't need it, but I was shocked that no one knew. Tendering was a crowded mess, as was disembarkation. People running everywhere, very little crew to be seen directing traffic. 

Guest st services never answered the phone. The spa took forever to get in touch with. It felt like the ship may have been understaffed. 

Food was good, and they were very understanding and helpful about allergies and dietary restrictions. However, our food always came out last in our party. We were three tables full. We were the "younger" table (11-26) with the parents and grandparents around us. Our order was always taken last (and usually 15-20 minutes after the other tables even after we told them that we were all together) and the bar waiter often skipped us entirely. The food came out much later than the rest of our party, causing them to wait for us. It often came out wrong, or partial. My husband's appetizer never made it and arrived with dessert. His entree came 20 minutes after the rest of us. His dessert was wrong too. Luckily everything was yummy so it didn't matter, but really?

We tried to take a group photo and waited over a half an hour (no big deal!) but when it was our turn they told us that someone else had booked as was going to delay us by 15 minutes. Ok, but they saw us standing there and said nothing! Then they said due to the size of our group we had to leave and come back after waiting nearly 40 minutes now, and that we had to make a reservation. We politely complained and they accommodated us. But this was just one of many things that was not explained clearly. 

In all, we had a great time. It's a beautiful ship with lots to do. But when you fully book the ship, it makes it so hard for everyone to enjoy it. Hallways, the atrium, bars and lounges, and elevators were packed. It was like a floating New York City in terms of crowds. Just because the ship can hold 4,000 doesn't mean it should. 

The overall experience was good, however I feel that Norwegian nickels and dimes you for everything.  When we boarded the ship they charged us for the wine we brought on board whether we were taking in to dinner or having it in our state room. Other cruise lines only charge if you take it to dinner. For the specialties restaurants there was an up charge for lobster. On the other cruise lines lobster is even included even in the main dining rooms. The dinners in the main dinning room although good were too similar each night. I don't like having to make reservations for the shows and being charged for a show. Not enough main shows are offered.  The balconies in the staterooms are way too small compared to other cruise lines.  The pool area is not conducive to lie around in unless you like to be underneath.  I thought the Haven area makes you feel like you are segregated from the rich. 

I loved the private island and I thought the way they handled the buffet in Stirup Cay was very well done.  The grill by the pool was very good but the wait to get the burgers was too long. 

Not my favorite cruise line but if the price is right I would consider it. 

The Breakaway is large ship and can get crowded, but smart planning can help you avoid it. For example, be tender group A for the island, and we stumbled upon Charlie Love and his band- excellent entertainment, by avoiding the over-crowded dueling pianos. The food was great, especially Moderno and Teppanyaki, and the staff was always very helpful and friendly. Shout out to the bartenders at Shakers! We stayed in a balcony on the 8th floor, and it was comfortable. My advice is to get a room more forward than midship to avoid the loud shuffleboard players outside your room- would've been a bigger negative if we spent more time in the room, but we were out enjoying ourselves with excursions and everything the ship offers. Universal was overcrowded and we got there late, the island was fantastic, and Atlantis, while pricey, was also very nice. If you can, get a pass for the 18+ Vibe beach club on the ship- worth the $100 per person, but they sell a limited number.

It was my 4th cruise and by far the worst. Massive croud. Everywhere packet and noisy. Even the library...Arrives to Cape Canaveral at 1PM and you you have to stay in the taxi, shuttle line for 1 hour. This is after disembarking (45 min). So... You arrive to the beach at 3:00 to enjoy the day!

Then you go to Styrup Cay where it arrives early but disembarking is through the tender boats. 4000 passengers takes long time so be patient and lucky with your turn. Once back in the ship you want to make some fitness? Ok, go to the line (all treadmills will be busy😡). Then want to go dinning ? Again, stay in the line or go after 8:00 PM. Want to enjoy the poolside reading in the sun? Sorry, no seating available ever!

Once back in NY you really need vacation!

We really ha a great time, easy drive to 

NYC, easy boarding, great service on the ship, the weather was great, but the staff at dinner the room and the shows were first class. 

Thanks to for the wonderful cruise it set up for me. Karen was fantastic in communicating when needed and followed through with everything I needed. Best of all I checked 3 different places for prices and was the cheapest by far and included stateroom credits and the ultimate beverage package. I would recommend to use and Karen for all your travel needs. A++++

Food was great but there was way too much time on the boat and not enough on land. Service was excellent but they charged an arm and a leg for everything. Overall an okay and expensive experience .

 We did not go to restaurants or special places to eat,because of our dentures,we are retired with fix income. After we tip each server,last day we went to main lobby to see the balance and we want to cancel our gratuities.Since when these gratuities are mandatory?.

This is the first time for us to be on a Norwegian cruise. We booked it because we wanted to spend the Christmas at the sea for a change. Overall it is an OK experience: everything is fine for the most part, but hardly outstanding. The best part would have to be the stateroom - it's being kept clean and nice. The stateroom staff really did a good job. I have several gripes though: when we got on board, Norwegian did not load our shipboard credit and drink package into their system. I had to fought for them and even called my travel agency from the ship to ask for its help to straighten it out with Norwegian - it took two days to settle it. Secondly I was very surprised that Norwegian did not restrict young kids from seeing shows that are only suitable for adults, i.e., Rock of Ages. If you have seen it, you know the language and content are very suggestive and even obscene at times. Norwegian should keep young kids out from seeing it. Quite a few of the kids in the audience are not even 10 years old. Lastly, the disembarkation process, or the lack of it, was almost chaotic. We barely saw any staff come out to direct the passengers to get out the ship in an orderly fashion and there was no signs anywhere to show the direction either. Finally a staffer showed up, he was kinda lost himself and said he was doing his best and he was by himself - it sounded almost comical. Anyway, if you are looking for superior cruise experience, you might want to look elsewhere. However, if you just want to relax and have a good time, it is worth considering.

Not sure if all cruise ship does this.  I purchased a watch on the ship which was 75% off the retail price tag, so I paid $150 for it.  Later I found this same watch was being sold on Amazon for $80.  I checked other watches that they are selling, all of them are over priced.  Even the manufacture's retail price tag price was about 10%-20% higher the regular retail price.  I felt scammed so I returned the watch.  Other than that everything was great on the cruise ship.  So don't buy any watch or jewelry unless you really its value.

staff was really rude. Embarkment was total chaos was never informed of being late with every port. One bartender ignored me for 10 minutes and only served men when anther man came to my defense and said I was there first the bartender said i should go to another bar if i didnt like it.