Norwegian Breakaway Review
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We picked this cruise because of its interesting itinerary (not so many go to places like Dominica, one of the last "natural" ports of call in the Caribbean - no Diamonds International anywhere!). Our cruise companions like Norwegian as a line. So could we, I think, but we had some issues with the Breakaway itself.
The good things - the crew are the nicest people ever. Our steward Oswald was fantastic and restaurant staff generally very helpful. The elevators work well (important to us as I can't do stairs), although in one annoying feature, they have two zones per bank, meaning two buttons to hit to call all the 'vators in that bank. The ports were interesting, as noted, although it's always exasperating that we spend so little time, maybe 9 hours max, in them. But that seems to be the business; port fees and casino rule everything.
Speaking of the casino - it dominates this ship. It is nearly impossible to walk through the 7th deck, where it is located, because the aisle between the slots is at best 4 feet wide, with 3 foot pinch points at some places. The smoke pervades three floors, as the casino is open to 6, 7 and 8, the main common areas of the ship, including a number of the extra-cost restaurant areas, through an atrium. It was worst on our last sea day coming to NYC, as the weather was bad and all the smokers on the ship were pretending to play the slots so they could smoke indoors. If you have asthma, kids with asthma, sinus problems, etc., this class of Norwegian ship might not be for you, because it is difficult if not impossible to escape the smoke..
Cabin Review
Family Oceanview Stateroom with Large Picture Window
As noted, it's a genuinely large cabin, wheelchair accessible, with roll-in shower (no tub). Plenty of storage space, except in the bathroom. It has twin/queen, pullout couch and pullman beds, so sleeps at least 5. The biggest issue is noise, as a major crew area door is across from it. The door slams every time someone goes in or out, which is a lot. A lot of crew conversation in the hall as well, which carries in. There is noise from 6, apparently props or something like that for the theater. Unless you are dead to the world when you sleep, bring earplugs.
Port Reviews
San Juan
Old San Juan is beautiful and interesting to walk through, although cobbly. We walked along the waterfront toward El Morro, on a smoother walkway with beautiful views across the harbor.
We had intended to do a horseback ride, I believe with the same operator we visited last year from Anthem of the Seas, but the ship canceled it with no reason given. When pressed, they claimed that the ship's schedule had them in port too late. In reality, they got there the same time that Anthem did.
St. Thomas
We went on our own to Coki Beach and Coral World, directly next door. The beach is small but beautiful, with good snorkeling. There are facilities there, and a number of places to get food, drink and souvenirs (they'll serve you right on the beach). Coral World has a lot of interactive exhibits and helpful staff. Because we were on our own, we got there just at opening time, and were able to watch/participate in a lot of the feedings (they have some in the afternoon as well). Taxis are shared and there are dispatchers at either end. It was no problem to get back and forth.
Tortola
We went on our own by taxi (shared with one other couple) to Smuggler's Cove, a beach on the north side of the island. It is idyllic, not very crowded ,and has a guy who sells drinks and grills some lunch items. There is snorkeling, although it can be hard to get to from the beach if the water is rough. Also, it comes with chickens, which the driver said roam the island wild now, as fewer people actually raise them.
Be warned, however, that there are NO facilities except for one portapotty. Our driver said that wealthy homeowners had blocked for years any improvements to the beach or for that matter, to the truly atrocious dirt road leading to it. He was amazingly cheerful about schlepping us out there and returning to pick us up at the agreed time. Again, there's a dispatcher at the port, and the driver collected the entire fare when he returned for us.
Barbados
We went to the Boatyard, near the port. Great beach club on a fabulous classic white-sand beach. Admission includes a free drink, chairs/umbrella and a swim-with-turtles expedition (one nearly clonked into me). They offer a US $ package for cruisers ($20 a person), and are conscientious about making sure you get back to your ship (they throw in the cab back, with a van leaving about every 10-15 minutes in the afternoon). Barbados is a great place for a swim day, although the island does have other interesting sights and things to do.
St. Kitts (Port Zante)
We went to Carambola Beach Club, which has a beautiful facility and is known as a restaurant. The beach has suffered in recent years from erosion, and the weather was a bit rough that day, but it was still very pleasant and the food was good.
New York (Manhattan)
We live across the river from NYC so we didn't tour it. Our experience was the cruise terminal, which was pretty horrid, both going and coming.