Norwegian Breakaway Review
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We chose this cruise as former NCL cruisers, and were thrilled with the Family Mini-Suite Balcony cabin we selected (cabin 9204). It was on the port side, so when heading south we were blessed with sunrise and sunny mornings... and heading north got us gorgeous sunsets and sunny afternoons. The room was large enough to be just comfortable for the 4 of us (parents with 15 and 9 year olds), with the 4th bed dropping down from the ceiling being a big hit for my 9 year old. The bathroom was enormous - - walk-in shower, double sink and toilet all in the same room, but 3 of us could fit in comfortably at the same time when needed. Also, know there are two US electrical outlets available, but they're not near the beds. Our room steward loaned us an extension cord all week for my husband's CPAP machine.) Another thing we did that was very helpful was bring a multi-USB port charger from home, so all 4 of us could charge our phones simultaneously overnight. (Three of us used the ship's wifi service and app to text each other all week, which made it easy to keep in touch when we were doing different things, and the other just played games when she could.)
I was impressed with the variety of activities the ship's crew provided each day (something for everyone), but would suggest they play the kid friendly movies earlier than 11pm, and play more movies on inclement weather days (of which we had a few). Another programming suggestion I would make is to provide more complimentary shows (there were a couple, but others had a fee attached to them). One event that was a BIG hit was Escape the Tent (or something like that... similar to an escape the room mystery game). It was very hard to get reservations for it though... and unclear where to make them (I got told two different things when asking two crew members).
The food options were great - and as you know, NCL's Freestyle Dining is the best way to cruise. The selections changed somewhat each day at the main dining rooms, there was almost always someplace serving something whenever you wanted food, and the buffets were quite good too. We dined in two specialty restaurants (Moderno's churascarria and Teppanyaki's hibachi grill). I personally thought the foods was more spectacular at Teppanyaki than at Moderno's. Our chef cooked everything perfectly, and was entertaining in his own way, too.
Cabin Review
Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony
It was on the port side, so when heading south we were blessed with sunrise and sunny mornings... and heading north got us gorgeous sunsets and sunny afternoons. The room was large enough to be just comfortable for the 4 of us (parents with 15 and 9 year olds), with the 4th bed dropping down from the ceiling being a big hit for my 9 year old. The bathroom was enormous - - walk-in shower, double sink and toilet all in the same room, but 3 of us could fit in comfortably at the same time when needed. Also, know there are two US electrical outlets available, but they're not near the beds. Our room steward loaned us an extension cord all week for my husband's CPAP machine.) Another thing we did that was very helpful was bring a multi-USB port charger from home, so all 4 of us could charge our phones simultaneously overnight. (Three of us used the ship's wifi service and app to text each other all week, which made it easy to keep in touch when we were doing different things, and the other just played games when she could.)
Port Reviews
New York (Manhattan)
Long lines and mild confusion, but many cruise and port staff around directing the crowds and keeping things moving.
Port Canaveral (Orlando)
No signs for where to go for different tours, or (in our case) rental car shuttles or Uber/taxi pickups. Numerous port crew around, but not quite enough for the crowds.
Great Stirrup Cay
Beautiful island, great BBQ lunch, but ridiculously long lines for food. I waited for 35 minutes to get decently cooked burgers, hotdogs, bbq chicken, ribs, corn, salads, fruit and (frozen) pizza.
Nassau
Having been to the Bahamas a few times before, we opted to book with Resort for a Day, and walked from the pier to the British Colonial Hilton for a few hours. Remind yourself that the second you step off the ship, you're on "island time". Food/drink delivery at the hotel pool took over an hour. I ended up walking up to the bar myself to close out our tab, rather than wait more for the waiter's return. Otherwise it was a nice way to spend the day off-ship.