We are long-term Norwegian cruisers, so the cruise line and this particular ship are familiar to us. We did a Transatlantic crossing on the Breakaway previously and wanted a winter break on it, to try snorkeling in the Caribbean.

This was the first time we used the 'inclusive airfare' package. The flight down on the day of departure worked smoothly, but with little room for error. Prior to departure, we had sorted out with Norwegian some issues with late changes to the return flight made by them without advising us. We normally make our own arrangements to fly to the departure city the day before a cruise and will return to that approach in future.

We particularly like the open air restaurant and seating areas on Deck 8 on the Breakaway, for meals and during the time they are free. Our best meal aboard was a dinner at Ocean Blue there, but it, and other specialty restaurants, were very difficult to book at workable times, either on the web site before the cruise or on the ship itself. Read more