We returned to the Breakaway following the same itinerary, same class cabin as a trip last August. We were very pleased to find improvements across the board as it seemed to us that NCL has figured out how to tweak much across the board.

First - we keep kosher- not such a rare thing out of NY. Last year, the kosher catering was simply inferior. It was a lousy product with very limited options and we were very disappointed. On returning to NY our travel agent (Cruise With Mike) advocated on our behalf and we were sent a nice credit for a future cruise along with an apology and a promise that it would be looked into. It was. On arriving the Maitre D (Malvin in the Haven Room a simply excellent professional) presented us with a menu of many options to choose from from Sterling Caterers in Miami - all under the OK. There was a nice choice of soups, mains, side dishes and even breakfast options. We found it to be excellent quality and nice portions. They also improved their plastic cutlery and around the ship staff seemed familiar with kosher and even indicated on the buffet line what was "under supervision." Only issue was sometimes the kitchen didn't provide what was ordered- they struck us as a stubborn executive chef as the dining room staff bent over backwards and sidewise to satisfy the guests. Major score for NCL!

Second- the ship's schedule was tweaked so that even the most popular events were open for everyone. last year if you hadn't booked in the first five minutes you were shut out of everything and there was much frustration. This year events were much better scheduled- even specialty eateries had openings. Cruise director Julie (who is absolutely best cruise director we've ever had) was all over the ship, speaking to guests, getting feedback and on top of everything. Read more