Blown Away by ‘Breakaway’!

I have just returned from a visit to Southampton where a few of Cruise.co.uk staff & many other agents had the chance to sample the amazing Norwegian Cruises ‘Breakaway’ – I must admit I was blown away by this ship. It was fantastic, with so much to do on board you will never be bored!

B – Breath-taking
R – Rocks NYC (New York City)
E – Enthralling entertainment
A – Adults will love it
K – Kids will love it
A – Alternative Dining
W – Waterfront
A – Aqua Park
Y – You will love it

The Norwegian Breakaway will sail from Pier 88 in Manhattan, New York & offer a 7 night cruise to Bermuda, some 12 night Caribbean itineraries & Bahamas & Florida for 7 nights. With 3 sea days on the Bermuda sailings you will have plenty of time to enjoy this amazing ship.

From the moment I saw ‘Breakaway’ on arrival at the docks I was excited, the artwork itself is impressive and I couldn’t wait to get on board and explore.

I was lucky enough to have a balcony cabin so myself and my colleague headed straight there to leave our cases and check out the accommodation.  The cabin was lovely, a little on the small side compared to other cabins I’ve stayed in but comfortable enough and had lovely décor. The balcony itself wasn’t very big but ample enough for 2 people to sit out. We were on deck 10 mid ship and had the lifeboats just below us. So I would recommend a higher deck balcony if you don’t want to look down at the lifeboats. It didn’t spoil the overnight stay at all as didn’t spend that much time in the cabin. With so much going on you won’t need to either.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once we had relieved ourselves of luggage we headed off to explore. We didn’t know where to start and what to see first so we headed to the buffet restaurant to grab some lunch before starting our tour. The buffet restaurant is on deck 15 and is called ‘Garden Café’ – very light & airy located at the aft of the ship with a fantastic selection to choose from. Salads, burgers, chips, jacket potatoes & much more.

We then headed to the Aqua Park 17 decks above sea level which also contains the children’s pool area – how I wish I could be a kid again, I wanted to get in and play on the slides, it looks brilliant & the kids will love it with its children’s characters from Nickelodeon including ‘Spongebob Square Pants’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also the waterslides were very impressive – I was tempted to have a go but didn’t have my swimsuit (shame). The waterslide are exciting and 2 of them are side by side twisters so you can race your friends to see who gets to the bottom first. Also the Free Fall – 2 drop slides where the floor is pulled from beneath you and you plunge feet first – the fastest waterslide at sea.  Not sure I would be brave enough to try it but looks fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We visited the ‘Sports Complex’ – I’ve never seen anything like it. 3 storey complex with a rock climbing wall, sports court for ball games, mini golf course & a high rope course with over 40 elements as you complete the course, then if you dare – walk the plank, this is a plank that extends 8 feet over the side of the ship! I wasn’t brave enough to try it but will you? A great photo opportunity I’d say.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then headed to the ‘Haven’ – this is an area which consists of private access for those staying in ‘Haven’ staterooms & suites.  In the centre of The Haven, there is a 2 storey courtyard area with a pool that has a deep end for swimming and a shallow end for relaxing, 2 whirlpools & a private sun deck. A very peaceful area, a great place to relax after a fun day at sea or ashore.
We looked at the suites available to book, a lot bigger than standard cabins but the balcony was still rather small for a suite. These consist of a bath & a walk in shower, very ample size bathroom. Great for families as sleep up to 6 people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next stop was the ‘Splash Academy’ – this is the children’s club catering for all ages from 3-12 years. Again I wished I was a child again with so many activities planned – the kids will definitely love this (will make them sleep at night). The biggest kids club for NCL, it is a 2 storey facility offering Wii games, PlayStation 3 games, crafts, pirate parades, and cinema. With so many activities for the kids you will never see them. There are 2 categories’ – Seals for aged 6-9 & Dolphins for aged 10-12 years. Each cruise there is a list of activities on offer so you can take your pick of what to do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is also a teen’s area with their own nightclub – this looked better than the adult nightclub!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also a baby section but must be supervised by the parents.

The Mandara Spa on board was impressive – this is located on decks 14 & 15 and offers a range of treatments available. From massages to teeth whitening, facials, waxing, hairdressers, nails & much more.  How about a mother/daughter massage, or couples Swedish massage.
Have your hair done, from a full cut & blow to just a hair up style – the choice is yours.

Within the Spa area is Pulse Fitness centre so you can a work out either do your own thing or uses the services of a personal trainer. Daily fitness classes available to work off all those lovely meals you will eat during your cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Talking about food – well what can I say! We were lucky enough to dine in ‘The Spiegel Tent’ this is where the ‘Cirque de Dreams’ show is on whilst you eat. I was amazed at the talent of the performers. They definitely keep you on the edge of your seat with dramatic acrobatics that you would think are impossible.  I won’t tell you too much as don’t want to spoil it for you. The food was delicious & the service was second to none, the staff couldn’t do enough for us. The atmosphere was addictive and everyone commented on how fantastic the show was. This is a definite must on Breakaway! Unfortunately we couldn’t take photos in here. So here’s one I borrowed from NCL.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of our colleagues ate in different restaurants throughout the ship but I didn’t hear a single complaint from the French Restaurant ‘Le Bistro’ , the steak house ‘Cagney’s’ , Ocean Blue – seafood restaurant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With 28 dining options, you will have a great choice of dining. There is a cover charge of $30 per person for the speciality restaurants but well worth it I’d say!

After dinner there are so many bars & entertainment venues we didn’t manage to see them all.  We went to ‘Fat Cats’ which is the live jazz band – the atmosphere as electric & such good fun, the band were amazing. We actually sat outside on ‘The Waterfront’ – this is a new concept where the bar is on deck, listening to the music.
We also went to O’Sheehans Irish bar located at 678 Ocean Place which is the place to be, with huge TV screens which show sports & movies. There was a ‘Tina Turner’ tribute artist on, she was fantastic & had everyone on their feet – what a night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rock of Ages is a stage show based on the musical shown in the Breakaway theatre; we didn’t get to see this but from what I heard it was amazing.

Burn the Floor – ballroom dancing at its best – while you dine in The Manhattan Room is entertained by the dancers. Some of my colleagues said this was brilliant.

The nightclub is called ‘Bliss’ which is a great venue playing a range of music to dance the night away.

At the back of the ship there is an adults only area called Spice H2O where they hold events & evening entertainment, there is also a small pool in this area, a bar serving drinks & snacks. It’s the the Ibiza party zone at night for over 18’s only.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just wish we had more time to experience everything there was to offer.  So I would definitely book a cruise on the NCL Breakaway as the most impressive ship I’ve seen so far! I would need at least a couple of weeks to experience everything the ‘Breakaway’ has to offer – 1 night was definately not enough.

Here are few more pictures taken during the evening:-

 

 

 

As I do on every cruise I go on – I brought home a few souveniers, meet ‘Bertie Breakaway’ – he is home now with his others cruise buddies as I collect them as I go on the various ships!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m now looking forward to going on the NCL Epic which has similar facilities – roll on July.

Want to see more? Click on the link to watch videos & see what’s on offer on NCL Breakaway!

http://www.breakaway.ncl.co.uk/ship/entertainment/cirque-dreams-and-dinner-jungle-fantasy/

So with so much to see & do on this amazing ship – what are you waiting for?  Do you want to cruise like a Norweigan? Call me now on 0800 608 6108 or email me at [email protected] to book.