A family recently embarked on a 7-night voyage aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway, exploring destinations in New England and Canada. The massive vessel, part of the “Breakaway” class alongside its sister ship Norwegian Getaway, can accommodate approximately 4,000 guests and boasts an open-air design with unique features like water slides and a ropes course.
The ship, which underwent renovations in 2020, spans 18 decks and measures over 1,000 feet in length. It weighs about 145,600 gross tons and can house over 2,000 cabins. The family secured an oceanview room for three people at a cost of $3,000, which included Norwegian’s “free at sea” perks such as a drink package, WiFi access, and a
complimentary specialty dining experience.
While the Breakaway offered numerous dining options, both
complimentary and specialty, the family particularly enjoyed the free Shanghai Noodle Bar. They also tried two specialty restaurants: Teppanyaki, a Japanese hibachi-style eatery, and Cagney’s, Norwegian’s signature steakhouse. The ship featured a variety of bars, with Shakers and the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar standing out as favorites.
Entertainment options were plentiful, including a Broadway show called “Burn the Floor,” comedy acts, game shows, and trivia contests. The family participated in Bingo, winning $140 in one round. They also appreciated the nightlife offerings, such as live music and dueling pianos at the Headliners comedy club.
Despite the abundance of activities, the cruise experience wasn’t without its challenges. The authors noted issues with seating in popular areas, particularly during sea days and in the atrium where many events took place. They found the layout inefficient, with large chairs taking up valuable space and making it difficult to navigate.
The pool deck offered various activities, including waterslides and a ropes course, though the chilly September weather made these less appealing. Other amenities included an arcade, spa, gym, and a large screen on the top deck for movies and sports events.
While the family enjoyed the ship’s decorations and overall glamour, they encountered some difficulties with tender ports in Newport, Rhode Island, and Bar Harbor, Maine. Weather conditions in Bar Harbor caused delays in disembarkation, leading the family to consider avoiding itineraries with tender ports in the future.
The ship’s casino, while popular among many guests, was not a draw for this family. They found its central location on deck seven somewhat inconvenient, as it was often necessary to walk through the
smoke-filled area to move between different parts of the ship.
Despite some drawbacks, the family concluded that they prefer larger ships like the Breakaway for their diverse activities and numerous dining and drinking options. They appreciated the variety of experiences available, from specialty restaurants to Broadway-style shows, even if it meant dealing with occasional crowds.
The cruise offered a mix of relaxation and entertainment, with the family taking advantage of both complimentary and paid experiences. They found value in the drink package and enjoyed trying different bars and restaurants throughout the week.
Overall, while acknowledging some areas for improvement, particularly in terms of seating and layout efficiency, the family’s experience on the Norwegian Breakaway was largely positive. They appreciated the ship’s amenities, dining options, and entertainment offerings, finding plenty to keep them engaged throughout their week-long voyage along the New England and Canadian coast.