We recently returned from our first cruise on NCL. We have cruised several times on Princess and RCC previously and have been reluctant to cruise on NCL because of things we have heard from friends. We took this cruise on the Breakaway because the price was right and it left out of NYC and that was convenient for us.

Embarkation. They were very well organized and we did not have to wait very long at all to get on the ship! NCL was very organized and all lines were short. We were VERY pleased with this part.

Ship We felt that the ship was poorly thought out. The atrium area where many shows were held was much too small for the number of passengers. The seating area was tiny and many times there wasnt even a place to stand to watch the shows. Also many of the lounges where music groups performed were small and cramped with not enough seating area. The casino was constructed with an open area concept. This enabled the smoke to seep through attached areas of the ship. My girlfriend is very sensitive to smoke and had issues with the smoke in many areas near the casino. The ship was built very plainly and not as dramatic as past ships we have been on. Even the older Princess and RCC ships we have been on were much more elegant. The noise levels at all the restaurants was terrible. We mainly eat in sit down restaurants and found that the accoustics were bad. Obviously NCL cut costs in this area when building the ship. We had a balcony cabin with a nice view. The size of the room was good. The bathroom was a nice size. Hallways leading to cabins wre a bit small but adequate. Elevators were small but plentiful. We never had to wait long for an elevator. Ship was kepy extremely clean at all times. Read more