This was to be a trail cruising experience for a couple who travel extensively for both work and leisure. After an easy Amtrak trip up from DC we arrived at Pier 88 by an easy taxi ride. I must say that having no NCL status whatsoever I was impressed how easy check in was.

Our balcony cabin was ready and we unloaded our bags by 2pm and went to look around before our 6pm sailing. It didn't start off too well and in spite of getting a welcome email touting the bar and soda packages, room service, robes etc once on board were told none of that was "offered" on a weekend getaway by the service desk. The staff wasn't quite clear what food was offered where before departure.

Okay it was basically a booze cruise. Not our intention but with the size of Breakaway and 4200 passengers figured there would be lots of options. Not really - everything was crowded. Nice singer at the Martini Bar but no seats. Nice atrium no seats. Comedy Show reservations but SRO arriving 30 minutes prior. I assume that part of this is the frenzy of all trying to do everything on a short cruise but the ship was not over capacity so where's the space! As a designer myself one flaw that I can't believe NCL did on this huge amazing ship is the placement of the casino at the atrium with smoking allowed and poor ventilation which has smoke pouring all over the midship!