Norwegian Breakaway Review
Breakaway from New Orleans, Western Caribbean 24 Feb - 3 Mar
Rating by category
Additional details
Hubby and I and another couple we’ve been friends with for a couple decades, just returned. We’re late 50’s to mid-60’s. We all live on the coast in nearby Mississippi, so it’s normally only a 11/2 hr. drive to the port. With all the parades for Mardi Gras and construction near the port, it took 2 – 21/2 hrs this time.
This was my 10th cruise, 2nd with NCL. I’ve also sailed Carnival (4), Princess (3) and Disney (1). The only other time I sailed NCL was on the Gem on a Canada/New England trip out of New York; a lovely cruise, but the demographic was skewed much older -- it seemed like a good 1/3 of the passengers were in wheelchairs or on scooters, making getting around a bit difficult. Makes sense for that itinerary. This sailing had a bigger variation of ages. Looked to range from 30’s to some 80’s. There were only 250 passengers under 18 out of 4200 on board. The following weeks sailing will have 500 kids/teens out of 4700, and the next week expected to be 800 out of 4900. Spring break coming. I booked last April when Norwegian had the promo of no port fees and taxes, plus we were able to get 2 additional “perks”. I’m hoping they offer the no tax promo again this year as it was a nice savings.
Parking/Embark: We managed fine after creeping along for about 30-40 minutes once we got off the Interstate. Parking for NCL is at the Julia Street parking lot, across the street and RR tracks from the port. Cost was $140 for the week. It is fenced and secured but not covered. There were porters there to take our checked luggage so we only had to walk with our carry-ons. Once we entered the terminal, the line looked long, but moved quickly and check in was smooth; we were on board within 30 minutes at the most.
Cabin Review
Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony
We had mid ship mini-suite, deck 11. The cabin did seem a bit small, but as reviews have said, the bathroom was nice and spacious. Loved having the larger shower with glass doors. Yep – that balcony was tiny, but I was glad to have it. It held 2 small chairs and a small little table but – a lot better than no balcony IMO. Our bed was by the closet and it made the room feel tight; access to the closet was challenging. But we were happy with it, decorated nicely and always clean. Plenty of storage.
Port Reviews
Harvest Caye
I was looking forward to this day as the reviews I’ve read were pretty much love it or hate it. I get it. It isn’t the “real Belize”, but I had seen that the day before. I’ve heard Harvest Caye referred to as similar to Disney World. Well, I happen to like Disney World. I appreciated the cleanliness, nice landscaping, clean bathrooms, etc. The pool was really nice. We didn’t do zip-lining, boats, parasailing or anything else. Looked thru the shops, hung out in the pool. Yes, it would be better for us if food and beverages were included. They sure are pricey. But …… the ship is there, a longish walk true, we went back on board for lunch. I went back out to enjoy the beach in the afternoon. I’m looking forward to going again in November.
Costa Maya
After reading so much (all wonderful) about Maya Chan, I booked them for my November girls trip. During the week before this cruise, I checked and they had availability so I booked for me and hubby. I wasn’t sure if it’d be worth it due to our short day – in port 7-2. They said they’d be there to pick us up 30 minutes after the ship arrived and bring us back at 1230. So…..not a long day. Still $59pp not too bad for all inclusive……although we’re not big drinkers. I wanted to see. Well, while still at port she told us it had been a bad couple weeks for the sea grass. Showed pictures. We could’ve cancelled. We didn’t. If the sea grass is as bad in November, I will cancel. True – the staff was wonderful, they meet you with welcome drinks. Continue to bring them as needed. Lunch was really, really wonderful. I had a full hour massage for $45. They came around to ask what time you wanted to return to port and scheduled a taxi to pick us up. Options started at 11 after lunch and every half hour after. There were 9 men with pitchforks, rakes, etc doing their best to clear a pathway on the beach. The sea grass was a couple FEET high and all along the beach 6 feet wide. So bad. There was no way I was getting in the water out to the floatie chairs, although some did. For the length of time we had (and will have in Nov) it just isn’t worth it to me. I’ll stay in port if I want to shop and hang out on the ship. If you’re determined, at least you know they’re working their tails off to make it nicer; can’t say that for sure for any of the other places along the beach.