We are "Make the Most of It” kind of people. We are going to have a good time wherever we are. However, we really had to work at keeping this philosophy while onboard Norwegian Breakaway. My glass-half-full attitude was tested.
NCL got off to a bad start with us and never fully recovered. First of all, this was a last minute trip. My husband had gotten some bad health news and we were trying to get away from all of the medical testing and stress of a difficult diagnosis. Our family needed some fun (Me, husband, Kids ages 10 & 6). We got to the pier via taxi very easily. We had spent a couple of great days in NYC and we were exhausted. We haven’t explained all the medical details to the kids, but they have felt the stress of the situation.
When we arrived about 1 pm there was a substantial, but dwindling line. My husband has a difficult time standing for long periods. I approached the line monitor and told her that my husband had a nerve disorder and couldn’t stand for long periods (I was trying to not to make a big deal of it since the kids were there). She looked at the handicapped line (we have a handicap car sticker, but I didn’t think to bring it) and then looked at my husband. Rudely and Loudly, she said "Unless he requested a wheelchair we cannot accommodate that.” So, he went and sat down at some chairs with the kids and I waited in the half-hour to 45-minute line. No one ever came behind us in line. We were among the last to board.
Overall, the room was fine (VERY DIRTY UPON ARRIVAL, Had to request cleaning). Shower clogged, maintenance fixed). Much smaller than mini-suites on the other lines we have sailed, RC, Princess and Disney. And, there is no curtain separating the bunks from the other bed(s). However the larger balcony (a small $ upgrade) was great and had two chairs and a lounger. The only negative with the larger balcony is that it protrudes from the ship and you lose the privacy you have on higher decks. Because it extends out anyone with a balcony above yours can look right down onto your balcony. If you’re into privacy, go with a smaller balcony on an upper deck. Mini-suite bathroom on breakaway is very nice, oversize (for a cruiseship) rain shower (no tub), double sink area where two can get ready at once.