After cruising with Disney and Carnival, in the summer of 2015 we did a week on the NCL Getaway. We were so impressed with the ship and it's destinations, this time out we choose it's sister ship (the Breakaway) which is nearly identical.
After arriving in NYC the day prior and getting a holiday tour of the city, it was off to the pier and a pretty straight forward embarkation. Once on board, we felt right at home since we were very familiar with the locations of all the activities. The ship was spotless, and the room (tenth floor) was a balcony offering great views. We really like the freestyle concept, and now that NCL has dropped it's Nickelodeon ties, the offering is perfect for anyone between 18 and 65 that wants a cruise that stands on it's own merits.
We visited eight islands in the Caribbean, with two days at sea on the way down and back. This cruise is only offered a few times, and while visiting some of the islands - at departure our ship sounded three horns. This is because it was the first time it had ever visited these ports even though the ship is a few years old.
Clean, fresh, and comfortable. Balcony was a bit small - but it sufficed.
Go in a day early, and stay in Manhattan. You can walk to many famous landmarks (train station, Times Square, etc) or really experience life, and try the subway.
Downtown (old) San Juan is a great walking tour. Lots to do and see and definitely take your camera!
Lots of jewelry stores - if you are in to shopping. It's a nice island, but it's getting very commercialized.
Visit the beach with the RUM distillery near by. It's a wicked ride over the mountain from the ship - but the beach and rum are well worth it!
Visit the airport beach (must do), where the airplanes take off and land within feet of the sand. Seriously, you can see the tire treads on the wheels of the plane! Downtown area is nice as well.
Not much here. But rustic surroundings give you a better feeling about what the lesser islands are all about. Walk the city and visit the market.
Take a cab over to the Boatyard. You pay a small fee, get a free drink, access to the beach, a chair and umbrella (if you get there early), free Wi-Fi, and lots of on beach activities.
Walk the downtown yourself and take a cab to one of the many beaches.
Visit a beach and the downtown area for a nice and relaxing day. Great spot for photos too!