Norwegian Breakaway Review

Worst communications and boarding process ever

Review for Bermuda Cruise on Norwegian Breakaway
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thomlamb
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Sep 2021
Cabin: The Haven Spa Suite with Balcony

We purchased an upgrade to the Haven, NCL's exclusive "ship-within-a-ship" experience. The lack of signage at the not-port-terminal that they used for pre-boarding covid testing had no signage directing people how and where to proceed. The pre-cruise email communications that most folks received regarding the Bermuda Travel Authorities requirements didn't arrive until the day prior to departure. Yet the requirement was to get a full Covid test within 96 hours of departure. When we went to leave to get on our flights, the NCL arranged transportation to the airport packed us onto buses like sardines.

We also had NCL book the flights to and from our home location to New York for us. Even though we live in the Chicago metro area, and there are plenty of direct flights to and between Chicago and New York, NCL had us flying all over the country and at all hours of the morning and night. There was no consideration how exhausted we would be before we even arrived at the port, let alone how exhausted we would be after returning from what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation.

Additionally, we upgraded from a balcony cabin to the Haven Spa Suite and didn't find out until the end that NCL doesn't honor the Haven Latitudes double points offer if you upgrade to the Haven. Considering that most of my other travel rewards programs offer whatever the bonus points are when I upgrade with them.

Cabin Review

The Haven Spa Suite with Balcony

The cabin wasn't really anything special. Yes, there was a whirlpool tub in it, and we had a butler. However, other than that it was just a cabin with a balcony. The only redeeming part was that we had access to the Haven. However, we paid for that with an upgrade bid. It was nice to be in a separate area away from the rest of the cruisers.

Port Reviews

New York (Manhattan)

Extremely unwelcoming, confusing, and very disorganized.

King's Wharf

Not ready for visitors, but working through things. Still dealing with Covid, and other issues.

5 Helpful Votes
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