Norwegian Breakaway Review

Some good and some not so good.

Review for the Bahamas Cruise on Norwegian Breakaway
User Avatar
kasius11
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service
Cabin

Additional details

Sail Date: Apr 2014

I need to qualify my review so that similar type of cruisers benefit and those that could be put off without need will not be. Hope that makes sense. In the last year I've ridden twice on the QM2 in the grills, enjoying both an eastbound and westbound journey. At 150k tons the QM2 holds 2,620 passengers. The NCL Breakaway, at similar tonnage held 4,509 for my week aboard.

I chose the Breakaway exactly based on its name. A lousy winter and I just wanted a casual environment where I could relax and renew cold and weary bones. I was not looking for a formal ship and have a 3 cruise (Med (Dream, 11/01), Western Caribbean (Sun, 04/02), and New England (Dawn, 07/05) history with NCL so calibrated my expectations accordingly. OK, with that proviso, here I go.

a) 4500+ (we had 4,509 with 700+ kids) people in a 150k ton ship is just too many, especially when we are talking only two banks of passenger elevators that ride on a very slow door close and movement rate. Constant tussles between passengers and frustrations were voiced, many often opting for stairs, even if it meant 5 or more flights, out of pure frustration. Having said that this ship is great for families. Though the cabins are very small, the Splash Academy and outdoor slides, rope course and putt putt course, along with the pools, an arcade, etc etc are tremendous for kids and family fun. Kids have a blast on this ship and are kept well entertained. (some of their parents can learn a thing or two but that's another topic)

Cabin Review

Located on the 12th deck, along with the Splash Academy, where the kids hang out, the first thing that struck me about the cabin is how narrow it is. I was a single and tried to imagine what a couple or, in the case of any on the deck, a family of 4+ would fair in this cabin and shuddered. The highlight of the cabin is oddly the bathroom. A full tub with hand shower, extra wide sink and ample storage space for that family. The overhead plug outlet could be a challenge for those who are under 5'6". The hair drier was located in the cabin section under the 'dresser' mirror near the balcony door.The cabin, as I mentioned, is narrow. Between the closet and the King sized bed (two singles thrown together not very well - there was about a 1/2" difference between the beds, is about 6". Left side of close are the kind of hangers that you pull of the loop (straight up piece of metal) and put back. There's a mixture of pant hangars and coat hangers. A family of 4 or even a couple who like to dress will probably need to bring some extra hangars. On the right of the closet are 4-5 shelves and above both sides of the closet is a large shelf.While lying in bed to one's left is the switch for a recessed lighting affect as well as the overheads. The recessed lighting is nice, especially at night. The ship, being just over a year old, has a flat screen interactive TV that allows you to see your account at any time or order movies (nice, though the most recent Sound of Music, made for TV, was a disaster!)The balcony is where this cabin truly is not great. It's so narrow that having your legs in front of you facing forward is difficult. And it's only wide enough for 2 chairs (barely, depending on state of door) and a small little table. The fact it's clear glass is nice as water views (from cabin especially) are clear and nice.

previous reviewnext review

Find a Norwegian Breakaway Cruise from $279

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.