Norwegian Breakaway Review

4.5 / 5.0
3,883 reviews

NCL Breakaway Review:

Review for the Bahamas Cruise on Norwegian Breakaway
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MTO3KDZ
2-5 Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Mar 2014

This was our second NCL cruise, first on Breakaway. (first cruise on Epic to Carribean was AMAZING) Embarkation was smooth, although the stench at NYC port was not so appealing. We just dropped out bags out front and went in, no one asked us for any information at baggage which I thought was odd.

We arrived about 9am, and people were still being disembarking up through 11:30am. We embarked as soon as the group numbers were being called about 11:30. We were one of the first to arrive and clerk neglected to give us our number for embarkation process, so we ended up just going on when the calling began.

Embarkation Information said rooms would still be in process of cleaning but to drop our items at room and have access to ship for meals and sail away. We arrived and all room doors were open, we dropped items in safe, it was apparent our room hadn't been "cleaned" although the bed was made. We headed out to eat at the Garden Cafe. We beat the rush, and got to eat and relax and peruse the ship before sail away. A bit windy and cool on deck but enjoyed the views out of Manhattan port.

Cabin Review

CLEANLINESS: Our only disappointment from the trip was the lack of cleanliness of the room from arrival till the end. We did not meet our porter until about the third day, and we had called to request a new coffee tray and clean up from day one. The ice bucket still had someone else's food stuck all over it, as did the coffee maker. We never used it even though they bought a different tray. We requested extra washcloths each day and it was hit or miss on whether they reeked of cigarette smoke.. I don't think anything was ever cleaned, just bedsheets changed or bed made and linens picked up. By day 5 I noticed the foot stool storage area still had personal items and toys left inside from a prior passenger. That night we received a plate of chocolate covered strawberries from the housekeeping staff for all the trouble.. We'd have rather had clean rooms.. They were attentive when we called, but there is no attempt to improve the level of service and cleanliness. (This was not our experience on the Epic at all we left that ship feeling pampered and served) While our porter lady (still never new her name) Smiled, and was pleasant.. we were disappointed in the service. Don't let the "Mini Suite" fool you.. It's not much larger than other rooms, and the balcony is silly.. So tiny. Two can face each other knees to knees on chairs. Loved the privacy of the bathroom though as opposed to the Epic where you only had a frosted glass curtain between the bed and the person on the pot. Nice large sink and counter area.. although never ever wiped down or cleaned by housekeeping. We originally thought this room may be right above the engines as it VIBRATED a lot the first two days.. like the bed was actually vibrating and when standing in the room you can see your legs moving.. I think the engines were on full throttle to get through the choppy waters of the north. Still choppy and vibrating the remainder of the trip, but not as much as the first two days. hip is HUGE and our room was smack in the middle. Doesn't matter where your room is as all food is at one end of the ship and all the entertainment is at the other. You'll get your share of exercise working off all the meals and mid day snacks! This was a great help to us.. The Breakaway is a HUGE ship.. The fish on the carpet in the hallways "swim" forward. Good to remember if you are "directionally challenged". The solid blue sections of the carpet exit to the elevator banks. Elevators and stairwells in aft end of ship have circle glass decorations/mirrors and forward they are squares. Helps determine what end you're at!

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