We wanted to take a family cruise for Thanksgiving Week since we are always home. I did the research and planned/booked for the family. Family includes: 2 adults over 60, me (under 25-30 y/o) and my bro/his wife (35-40 y/o). We had all traveled on the Breakaway before, Sept. 2015 on a trip to Bermuda, which was really great.
We live in NY, so no need to explore. We took an Uber XL There was a lot of traffic to turn off into the pier but we made it on time. They do scan your carry on luggage and require that you don't carry liquids. My dad had a pint of water, they scanned his bag and didn't say anything to him. He was aware of the rules, but carried it anyhow, and got through.
EMBARKATION: When we arrived on the walkway to the boat you hear music and it seems like youre about to hit the party. Thats when I started to get excited. There are 2 staff members at the door and they are not even welcoming. Same thing happened last yr, idk why that is or what their purpose is for standing there if they dont want to engage you. (Compare that to the party when you go back on at your last port and you'll see why I said that). Anyhow we went straight to our room, which wasn't ready 100% so we decided to go to the Garden Cafe for lunch. I was thnking about not going there but ended up going just to make it easier. This is the most crowded place/time b/c it feels like everyone is eating/talking at the same time. We heard that at 2:30 there would be a drill which we did last year. This time for the drill we were in the atrium. No seats of course but a staff member suggested we sit on the windowsill, which we did was not comfy at all. Finally it was time to leave. They had the Sailaway party in the atrium b/c it was too cold to have it outside.
The big bathroom makes the difference in the room. As well as the many settings/jets in the shower. That was a plus. Its also larger (broom) than the regular balcony bathroom. Everything else was the same.
Rained. Disorganized tender. Choppy seas.