We have been on 14 cruises. We have been on Norwegian, Royal Carribean, Carnival, Disney and Celebrity. We had heard many nice things about the Norwegian Breakaway so we decided to try it. Our party consisted of 8 people aged 23 to 66. Overall we all enjoyed the cruise. The ship is layed out differently than the other ships we have been on so we were lost for the first day or two. We had a handicapped room as my husband uses a scooter on the boat. Our room was a good size but it was at the front of the ship, very far from the elevator. It was booked as an ocean view but we only had a view of the helicopter pad. My brother was in the Haven part of the ship but his suite was on a different floor on the opposite end of the ship from the Haven amenities. This was upsetting for him as he paid a great deal for the Haven and did not feel that he was a part of it.
We had read many poor reviews of the Breakaway, so we were prepared for the worst. We did not experience any of the problems we had read about. Both embarkation and disembarkation were organized and efficient. We were with a handicapped group member so we received special attention. The ship was very clean and attractive.
The pool area was very crowded but really no worse than many of the other ships we have been on. We did go down early every sea day to save a few chairs near the pool. We found the other cruisers to be very friendly and polite.
Our cabin was spacious (handicapped room). It was very far from the elevator and the ocean view was non existent. Our room steward was very friendly and efficient.
Kings Wharf has a nice Dockyard in which to walk around shop.
We left from Manhattan which was very convenient. Cruising out of NYC was breathtaking!