Norwegian Breakaway Cruise Review - 2023/2024 - Food & More

Is Cruise sailing back after COVID? Here is a review of the cruise ship Norwegian "Breakaway" sailing out of New Orleans to the Caribbean (Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel and Harvest Caye Belize. This first part focused on getting on the ship, the room (and its idiosynchrasies) as well as the buffet and formal dining options. What was good? What was bad? You'll hear the whole deal. If you want to see part 2 with more details on shore excusions and shipboard entertainment, be sure to subscribe!

[YaBoyDC]

I’ve been on Norwegian 3 times and always found their food to be top notch.

[hassanmiddleton]

This is like the apple vs android conversation. He admits he’s usually cruise’s Carnival, so naturally the way Norwegian does business is different for him. Personally, I’ve cruised Norwegian about four times (Breakaway, Prima, Viva) and I’ve never had a problem because I know the ins and outs of the cruise line. I’m sure if I cruise another line, it’ll take some getting used to. Also, Prima and Viva… the cat’s Meow!

[mcrochip]

Watching this video just shows what happens when you go on a cruise without knowing where you're going. Complaining about the 3 main dining rooms having the same menu, for example, when that's very well publicized - the only difference is the environment.

[carlralston]

So last week, my wife and I were just about to book the April cruise on this ship out of New Orleans. We have cruised a number of times before and actually sailed on Norwegian several years ago. The April cruise is the last time (until Fall) that any line other than Carnival sails out of the three western Gulf ports - and we really don't want to sail on Carnival ever again. I can not over emphasize the impact your video had on our plans. We are not "foodies" but all of your comments seemed spot on. I think what really did us in was seeing the size of the vessel. I'm a retired aircraft carrier sailor by trade, and I just don't think I need to share anymore boats with 6, 000 shipmates. I believe we will turn inland and try to find something a bit calmer. Anyway, thank you for a great video. You saved us both money and time.

[ginamunkacsy]

This was an excellent video. I appreciated your critical, but honest, review.

[dip]

I was on the Breakaway the week after you, My embarkation time was 1:30 and I had maybe a 10 minute wait, I also had no problem with finding a table on floor 15 even at peak times but I 1000% agree with you about the food, it was not the NCL of the 1990's when it was fancy and cooked correctly and actually brought to your table warm. The only time I ate a warm meal on this trip was at Teppanyaki. Looking forward to the rest of your videos.

[gerryellis]

I was on the ships first voyage from Southampton to New York in 2013. The potato salad was fantastic.

[raidrv]

I’m 15 and was on this cruise with my 14 year old cousin and one cool thing was the teen lounge there was PlayStations and Nintendo switches you could play on and I met a lot of nice kids and it was one of the best weeks ever and the fries were weirdly one of the best things in the buffet

[hassanmiddleton]

Oh yeah… balcony rooms won’t allow you to run the AC when the door is open, because the cold AC air and warm outside air will create moisture in the stateroom. Moisture leads to mold, and/or that nasty “wet mildew towel” smell we all hate and complain about when we experience it.

[joemichaels]

We sailed Breakaway in 2019. Perhaps the best food of any cruise we have ever had, that being said we didn't care for the layout of the ship. I asked a crew member which deck was the Lido looked at me like I had 4 eyeballs.

[cruiselandia]

I really appreciate your video. We sailed on the Mardi Gras Cruise, and we experienced a lot of the same issues. Great content!

[courtneyroy]

You did an amazing job on this video...for a food critic. I wish you had done more of everything "non" food. Granted....I understand why, as I'm from Lafayette, LA. With that said, I am not going for the food...I'm going for the vacation. I'm not again for the video, and we hope to cruise from NOLA (our first cruise) sometime in May or June of 2024. Thanks!

[guidosarducci]

4:45 yeah, my bag went "missing" on a Virgin Cruise for the same reason. Left the wine (which on Virgin you can bring on) in the bag and it got flagged and sent to a holding area. No one told me and it took several times asking my Steward before he finally figured it out. I was in a panic. Seems like they should tell your room Steward that your bag is in jail and where to go so they can tell me sooner. Would save a lot of people a lot of headache

[eugenesmith]

Was on the Breakaway May 2023 for the Italy/Greece 10 day trip out of Rome - 10/10. Ship was amazing.

[SkidMark]

I was taking your opinion seriously until you said bullion cubes. Wow ok you just love you some MSG😂

[jenniferward]

It is VERY clear you don't cruise much! You can't leave your balcony door open and still get AC?? Carbon footprint ring any bells?? And ALL cruise lines that all you to bring wine tell you it has to be in your carry on.

[purdiemom]

Experienced Cruiser know to say "Ship" never a boat. The problem is with staffing shortages Shame on the Norwegian and their staffing cuts. Can't blame staff they are trying their best😢.

[TheDmonet]

I felt the nickel and diming when we took the breakaway outb of new york years ago. they removed the complimentary burger bar in favor of another upcharge since then. Felt the main dining rooms food was just okay. Hated the amount of smoke in the mid ship area and on the waterfront.

[davidbaker]

Did you ever do the video about the shore excursions? I can’t find it.

[jengencarl]

Your video is one of the most informative I've found, so far - thank you!
How large was your group?
My family of 3 is part of 15 next January.
We have three kids in the group - 7, 10, 12 - did any of the families you were with blog as well? If so, can you point me to them?
Thanks in advance!