Liberty of the Seas Review / April 21, 2019

Liberty of the Seas Review  
April 21, 2019

Just The Facts:
Ship:  Liberty of the Seas  /  Class and Type:  Freedom Class Cruise Ship
Maiden voyage: May 19, 2007  /  Tonnage:  155,889  /  Length: 1112 feet
Captain:
Cruise Director:
Ports: Galveston, TX - Cozumel, Mexico - Gerogetown, Grand Cayman - Falmouth, Jamaica
Weather:  Very nice typical Caribbean weather

This is my 5th time to cruise on the Liberty of the Seas, my 29th Royal Caribbean cruise, and my 143rd cruise overall.  I am sailing solo. I booked only a few days before sailing and it was a good value, enough that I had to do it.

Day One—Sunday—Embarkation

Sail away from Galveston  (click to enlarge)

I have enjoyed the leaving later and arriving later at the pier scenario on previous Galveston cruises so did so again.  There are so many VIP’s that it now actually creates problems at embarkation…so the later arrival is a much smoother process. I left the ranch about 7:45 am and headed south to Galveston arriving at EZ Cruise parking about 12:05 and I was shuttled over to the Liberty of the Seas fairly quickly. Unfortunately I discovered a huge glitch to my plan…they had not yet begun boarding.  Apparently there were over 2500 (non English speaking) foreign nationals that had to be processed though U.S. Customs and Border Security and that was not happening easily.  They did not have everyone off the ship until 1:30 and did not begin boarding until almost 2:00 pm.  By this time there was a mass of people ready to board.  It looks like this cruise will be a repeat as the vast majority of the guests look to be Mexican nationals, primarily extended families with lots of children. They did seem to take the delay in stride, better than experienced cruisers for sure.  I luckily had a line place holder so I was able to sit for half the waiting time and finally made it past security where the D+ status was recognized.  It was then 3:00 pm but I was on board soon afterward.  I dropped my bag in my cabin and went straight  to Lido where they were trying to close, in fact I insisted that they open the doors for me.  The staff should have known that with no guests from 11:00 am until 2:00 that there had to be many hungry guests still boarding.  Not a good move by Lido staff as they were delaying boat drill, the excuse they were using to close.  I was again lucky to get something to eat.  I went straight to my muster station on deck four, had my card scanned, then went into the lounge to sit and await safety instructions that was done in Spanish first, then English.  It was 4:45 when drill ended, I know exact time as the bar there opened and I had a complementary ginger ale and Mai Tai using my D+ card and bartender asked me the time.  Wow I can finally relax and not fight the unfortunate embarkation situation.  By the time I finished my cocktail the elevators were somewhat cleared and I was at my cabin and began unpacking.  Looks like everyone made it aboard as the ship pushed off and began sailing just a bit late.  Luckily I’m able to watch Galveston slip away from my starboard side balcony cabin.  Relaxing on my balcony I knew that as bad as the boarding process was today that it could have been worse if not for some luck and my cruising experience.  Since I rolled on my bag I began to unpack get set up for the week. There is a lot of room and storage especially for just one guest. I purchase the surf & stream Zoom internet package ($55 with discount) a reasonable price compared to Rotterdam earlier this month. I finished cabin set up and was cleaned up for dinner cocktails by 7:00, but as I looked at my card to confirm dining I see that I have a 5:30 dinner…well that wouldn’t be possible or even doable today.  I went up to deck 14 for cocktails and also surprised at how empty was the Diamond Lounge.  Usually they are using half of the Olive & Twist main lounge for overflow, but not today.  Very different day.  The good news was that Alexander made top notch Cosmopolitans…thank you sir.  About 8:00 pm I went to the Marketplace buffet on deck 11 for dinner.  I had roast beef from the carving station, a freshly grilled pork chop from specialty area, a small chicken marsala, nice mashed potatoes, and vegetables.  Rice pudding for dessert.  A nice meal.  Afterward I returned to the cabin went straight to sleep after a busy and somewhat difficult day.

Day Two—Monday—at Sea

Solarium adult pool

Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well.  I went down to the MDR for breakfast about 8:20 am and had a very nice fresh egg breakfast with hot milk too.  I spoke with a Maitre’D and no tables available for late main sitting, but she changed me to MyTime dining and said I should be fine from 8-8:15 pm and there should be sharing tables available.  The pool deck was already busy when I did a walk about midmorning.  I did some travel agent business the rest of the morning, looks like two bookings to complete.  I went up to the Windjammer for lunch, they had nice Texas style ribs at the carving stations, the highlight though was a pistachio creme puff…it was wonderful.  Great weather with a breeze that keeps it nice and cool. The pool deck is body to body and this is a cruise of firsts this afternoon.  I have never seen so many little kids in one hot tub, I’ve never seen so many adults in a large hot tub at one time, I’ve seen chair hogs, but never choice table hogs in the buffet, I’ve never seen that many guests in the adult solarium pool, and I've never seen so many beautiful Latin ladies lined up in one continuous row of sun loungers on deck 12...I thought it was a advertising shoot. But everyone is in good spirits, must be that latin persona and the rum punch.  Heather, my cabin steward came by late, I’m last cabin on her list, but that’s fine I can work with that, I’ll just get early ice as needed.  Afternoon was cabin and balcony time.  Really nice to have that private balcony when public decks are so full of people.

Holland American Lines - MS Rotterdam - April 7, 2019

Holland America Lines

MS Rotterdam  April 7, 2019

Just The Facts
Ship:  MS Rotterdam
Sailing:  April 7, 2019 from Tampa Bay, Florida
Captain: Bas van Dreumel, from Perth, Australia
Cruise Director: Rhys Williams from Cape Town South Africa
Ports: Tampa, FL - Key West, FL - Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala  -  Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, Honduras - Costa Maya, Mexico - Tampa, FL

This is my 1st time on the MS Rotterdam, my 3rd Holland American Lines cruise, and my 142nd cruise overall.  I am sailing as a solo.

Day One—Sunday—April 7 — Embarkation

Sailing under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge

I am in Florida visiting the DD (dear daughter) in Spring Hill, FL, so taking the opportunity to sail this cruise while the DW visits the DD and the new GD (grand-daughter) for bonding time.  All three dropped me off at 1:00 pm as I wanted to arrive after the rush of guests who try to board early.  The timing could not have been better.  There was just a short 2-3 minute wait at security then no wait at all at the check in counter.  It was like being a VIP on other cruise lines.  I proceeded direct to boarding and was in my cabin by 1:18 pm…unbelievable.  I was hungry so went up to deck 8 and the Lido buffet...I had the Pork Loin from the carving station with mashed potatoes, some wonderful creamed spinach, and mixed vegetables.  It was all very good.  HAL is know for their Bread Pudding so that’s what I had for dessert.  Servers bring the drinks to your table, a service I really appreciate.  Silver is at the table very similar to NCL but a bit more formal.  I found the Taco Bar near the pool area and a custom grill, The Dive, as well.  You can order customized Hamburgers and custom Nathan's Hot Dogs.  You order with attendant and he gives you beeper…when he beeps you you go back and pick up you item.  I could not  eat a burger at this time, but I did order a coney just to test the system.  It works very well and my coney was on a poppy seed bun with mustard, sauerkraut and bacon.  Excellent.  When I returned to my cabin about 2:30 my bag that I had just checked at the curb was inside the cabin. Wow.  My first impressions of the MS Rotterdam are very good.  Boat drill was at 3:00 pm and fortunately it’s on my deck.  I had my card ‘dinged’ and we had about a 15-20 minute safety instruction.  So easy to walk back to cabin as it was at embarkation, just one deck above the gangway.  I have an Oceanview cabin on lower promenade with a nice outdoor wooden deck that goes completely around the ship.  A nice and roomy cabin especially for a solo.  I purchased the premium (streaming) internet package ($139) as I want to watch both NCAA championship games this week.  I’m also in middle of binge watching the seven seasons of The Closer so I can get a couple of those in as well.  I watched us sail away from Terminal Six about 4:15 pm, it’s great having a deck just outside my window, I’m next to the doorways so it’s really like a huge balcony for me.  I finished cabin set up then about 6:30 I went up to Sky deck to watch us sail under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.  Very cool, I was told 21 foot clearance, it was interesting, but Golden Gate Bridge is my favorite so far.  I have 8:00 pm dinner in the MDR (main dining room) and assigned a six top table, four ladies and one empty tonight.  I ordered the Salade Niçoise (an entree as a starter) and the Beef Short Rib Stroganoff entree.  For dessert a small slice of Key Lime Pie and Crème Brûlée.  All good.  After dinner I retired to the cabin. It was a very easy and nice embarkation day on the MS Rotterdam.  Baylor women won their National Championship game tonight too.

Day Two—Monday—April 8—Key West Florida

Custom eggs this morning

Smooth seas overnight although it wasn’t a completely restful night, but I watched an episode of The Closer until I could fall asleep again.  I was up and around about 8:30, but too late to go to the MDR that closes at 9:00 am so I went to the Lido Buffet and had a very nice eggs to order breakfast.  They load your plate for you so just say more bacon please until you get what you want.  My 3 fried eggs sunny side up were perfect and the hash browns and bacon were also very good.  I could see us approaching Key West as I ate so we were ahead of our 11:00 am scheduled arrival time.  The weather is beautiful today with blue skies and scattered clouds.  We are docked at the Naval Station and have shuttles into town, not the best choice, but it’s what we have. I went off about noon and the shuttle dropped us at Mallory Square.  The Carnival Freedom is docked here today and there are a LOT of people in Key West today both cruisers and tourists.  I walked by the familiar sites and ended up at the First Flight Bar and Restaurant or what used to be Kelly’s Caribbean Bar located in the old Pan American Airways building. It was very busy with live music and I sat at the familiar airplane wing bar and had two craft beers.  On my KW walk about I found a place selling everything for $5 so I got some sunglasses and a hat.  With the humid heat, so many people in town, and since I have seen all the KW sites and most of the bars, I took a shuttle back to the ship about 3:00 pm.  I went straight up to Lido and the Grill where I ordered two Nathan hot dogs and fixed two tacos from the Taco Bar while I waited…a large late lunch as it turned out.  I really enjoyed my cooling shower and nap once I returned to the cabin.  I went to the MDR this evening as I noticed that they had Prime Rib on the menu and it was very good too.  They have a Comedian as the entertainment tonight in the theater, but I returned to the cabin in order to watch the NCAA National Championship basketball game.  It was a fun day in Key West and on the MS Rotterdam.
 
Day Three—Tuesday—April 9—at Sea
Very smooth seas overnight and I slept very well…until 10:30 am in fact.  Fortunately we turn back our clocks one hour so I was able to go to the Lido in time for breakfast.  I had a western omelette from the omelette station plus extras.  It looks like another perfect beautiful day for us.  I really like the HAL app Navigator.  You can use it both on your iPhone and online on your laptop.  The app has the schedule of the day, ship maps, cruise information and even the daily menus for the MDR.  A very helpful application and no you do not have to purchase an internet package to use it.  I’m having a nice cabin day streaming TV, but I went up to the Lido Marketplace for lunch, a nice Turkey on the carving station.  I had a nice walkabout around the ship and guests are really enjoying the pool and outer decks today.  More relaxation on deck three most of the afternoon.  Tonight is the Captain's Gala Dinner, and the food was very good in the MDR.  I ordered the Orange Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Escargots Bourgignon, the entree of Cracked Pepper Tenderloin with sauteed greens, carmelized pineapple, & green beans, and Black Forest Cake for dessert.  A very enjoyable dinner.  Our table service has been excellent as well No more than one hour for complete dinner service.  Music throughout the ship tonight, as most nights with three primary groups who rotate among the lounges.  It was a very relaxing day on the MS Rotterdam.

Day Four—Wednesday—April 19—Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala

San Felipe Fortress Guatemala

Calm seas overnight and I slept very well.  I set an alarm since I had an early excursion, but since we set the time back again I was up in time.  I really have never been on a cruise that change the time twice in the Caribbean…very unusual.  I went up to the Lido Marketplace for a custom breakfast as we were docking this morning in the industrial port of Santo Tomas de Castilla.  I had an 8:15 meet time for my excursion:  San Felipe Fortress & Scenic Drive so debarked soon after 8:00 am.  We were on the bus and on our way by 8:30 for the 1.5+ hour drive to our destination.  The industrial area around the ports are really nothing to admire but once in the countryside it was interesting.  We saw Rubber trees, Mangos, Banana trees, Pineapples, and more.  We went through some mountains until we reached the Rio Dulce river valley and soon afterward the San Felipe Fortress.  The Fortress built in 1644 is a Spanish colonial fort at the entrance to Lake Izabal. Lake Izabal is connected with the Caribbean Sea via the Dulce River and El Golfete lake…a very strategic location.  It is now located in a park area and today seemed busy with local school groups.  It’s a smaller fortress but many unique towers or bastions and fully restored.  I enjoyed it.  I had time for two Gallo beers before the bus began its return.  Once back at the port I went through the nice large facility built for area Guatemalan crafts, stage, tours, wifi, and more.  I was able to get a Guatemalan belt I’ve been wanting for 15 years, but could never find one in 'barn' size before today.  I had to go to the source and now pleased to have one.  Once back on the Rotterdam I went to Lido for a burger and coney… both very good.  Then it was to the cabin for rest, relaxation and a nap.  I was going to skip dinner in the MDR as I usually do on a long excursion day, but with the nap and reviewing the menu I decided to go.  Tonight I ordered the Calypso Shrimp Cocktail, Spaghetti All'amatriciana (my pasta as starter), and Chef Rudy’s Classical Wiener Schnitzel “Wienna Style” entree.  All was very good, best Wiener Schnitzel since I was in Wien last year.  I had a nice look around the beautiful and very large Library area on deck five.  Lot’s of Games, three jigsaw puzzle tables, reading areas, lots of books, and more.  It was a great day in Guatemala and on the MS Rotterdam.


Day Five—Thursday—April 11—Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras

MS Rotterdam from lagoon bridge

Fair seas overnight and I slept very well.  About 8:00 am as we were docking at Mahogany Bay  I went up one deck for my first breakfast in the MDR. I usually prefer an MDR breakfast when sailing and it didn’t disappoint.  I ordered a unique Fruit plate (mango, banana, apple, cottage cheese) and classic Eggs Benedict with side of bacon and hash browns.  It was very good.  I soon noticed that we were the ONLY ship docked so changed my plans to go over to the beach a.s.a.p.  Usually there are two large Carnival ships and the beach gets very crowded, but with just our small ship it was like a private beach break.  I was able to get a lounger in the shade of palm trees…hard to do.  The water was great and I later splurged the $ I saved by not having to rent an umbrella on a nice large Pina Colada.  A nice beach outing although I did get too much sun on my face while in the water.  I returned to the ship about 2:00 and had a burger and coney from the Dive Inn Grill.  I spent the rest of the day with cabin time relaxing and watching some online video.  We sailed away a bit early as everyone was on board and I noticed that the large old shipwreck that was in the middle of the bay has been moved west and towards the shore…that will make it safer for the ships on a windy day.  I went to dinner at 8:00 pm as usual.  Tonight I ordered the Rustic Home-Made Lasagna (my pasta as starter) and Chef Rudy’s Classic Yankee Beef Pot Roast entree.  Very good with excellent service as usual.  For dessert I had the Mango Creme Horn and a Blueberry Sundae.  They have an evening Happy-hour as well as the afternoon one in the Crow’s Nest, second drink is $2.  My face was rather red from the sun so I retired after dinner.  It was a Fun day at the beach today.

Day Six—Friday—April 12—Costa Maya, Mexico

My deck 3 with Mahahual lighthouse in background

Smooth seas over night and I slept very well.  The waves are really pounding us as we are docked on the outer pier.  We were probably lucky to get docked this morning and I'm worried about getting away.  We are the only ship here today.  I went up to the Lido about 9:30 for a nice custom breakfast.  I’ve never had a wait, they have several stations set up and the chefs are filling several orders at a time, similar to short order cooks at a diner.  You do get hot fresh eggs this way.  After breakfast I walked around deck three and watched the waves smash into the pier, I hope we will be able to push away later today.  I’m not getting off and I'm going to have a ship day today, I was just here a few weeks ago.  I had not had lunch in the Lido Marketplace until today, I was amazed at the food choices for a port day.  They had a sushi bar set up it the international food area and two meats in the carving stations, I went with the Fat Back or Pork Belly selection with Mashed potatoes.  Then I took some Bread Pudding for dessert back to the cabin.  I discovered that my new Verizon unlimited plan includes Mexico and although we are as far south as one can go in Mexico and in a remote area I was able to call the DW and check on things.  Nice to have.  I watched streaming videos most of the afternoon then went outside on the deck to watch us attempt a sail away.  As I suspected this morning we couldn’t get off the pier, the winds were too high.  Soon the Captain made an announcement that the wind gusts were up to 30 knots and they would attempt to leave again at sundown.  About 7:00 pm we again tried to get away from the pier and on the second attempt we made it off…it was touch and go but we began our return to Tampa.  It was the second Gala Dinner tonight.  I ordered: Roasted Beets and Orange Segments, Ricotta and Spinach Tortelloni (my pasta), and the Surf and Turf entree.  The Lobster was OK, but the Tenderloin was tasty.  For dessert I had the Passion Fruit Cheesecake.  We turned our clocks forward for the second night so we will be on Tampa time tomorrow morning.  A great day in Costa Maya and on the MS Rotterdam.

Day Seven—Saturday—April 13—at Sea

Mariner's Club Luncheon & Captain

Rolling high seas initially overnight but much smoother by morning and I slept well. I went up to Lido about 10:00 am for a lighter breakfast then took a walk about to enjoy the perfect weather this morning. Stopped by the Crow’s Nest to watch us still fighting a bit of headwind.  I was invited to the Mariner’s Luncheon today at 1:00 pm.  The Captain and Officers attended and they had a nice menu, I ordered:  Spiced Chicken & Okra Gumbo, Braised Beef Brisket with Plantains, Mashed Yucca, Root Vegetables and Coconut Pie for dessert.  We had a Champagne toast and brief remarks by the Captain.  The rest of the afternoon was cabin time and videos.  I did finish my binge watching of LAPD crime based The Closer, seven seasons, 109 episodes over two weeks.  I really enjoyed it.  I laughed, I cried, I was on edge…binge-watching is the 21st century version of a good book and perfect for this cruise.  I went to the final dinner in the MDR and it was agin very good.  I ordered: Spinach Salad, Fusilli Primavera, and the Sauteed Pork Chop entree.  After dinner I went to the cabin to pack my luggage. It was easily done then I placed them outside the cabin for the midnight pick up.  A nice final day on the MS Rotterdam.

Debarkation—Sunday—April 14—Tampa Florida
Smooth seas overnight and we were docked on time despite leaving Costa Maya late.  I went up to the MDR for a very nice breakfast at 7:00 am then returned to the cabin to pack backpack.  DW & Friends are picking me up at 10:00 so I just chilled until my color was called.  Debark is very smooth on this ship, not that many use self-debark, most wait for luggage color process.  Very easy debark and pick up in Tampa and especially this smaller ship.

Ship
MS Rotterdam is the lead cruise ship of the Rotterdam class (R class) in the Holland America Line. Built in Italy in 1997, she is the sixth Holland America vessel to bear the name. She is named for SS Rotterdam of 1959, and also named after the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. Rotterdam carries an art collection onboard worth over US$2 million and features fine art and antiques.
Tonnage    61,849        Speed      25 knots  (29mph)
Length       780            Beam       106
Capacity    1404          Crew        600

Cabin
I have cabin 3397 an ocean-view cabin mid-aft on deck three on port side.   Also close to elevators, stairway, and outer doors to promenade deck. The room is a standard+ size interior with: key pad safe, hair dryer, makeup mirror, small couch, full chair at vanity/desk, small bath with shower, TV, and good lighting. Very well designed.  The air conditioning & water pressure was only average, I wish I brought my personal cabin fan for circulation.  Very pleased with location although some door slamming of outer doors on final windy day.

Food
I found the food to be very good, well above average for most cruise lines. Service always above average to exceptional.  Plenty of room for tables in both MDR and Lido…you are not hitting or bumping into adjoining chairs or tables. 

Comments
I really enjoyed this slower paced relaxing cruise.  Yes guests are older.  I didn’t attend any shows although there were not many offered.  I also never purchased a cocktail on the ship…I think that may be a first.  Overall the crew & staff were very good.  My cabin steward Nopi from Indonesia was very adequate as I always had ice and clean cabin. My MDR waiters were also great.  It was a great cruise.

NCL Breakaway B2B Cruise Review

 NCL Breakaway B2B Cruise Review

February 17 & February 24, 2019

 
Just The Facts
Ship:  NCL Breakaway
Ship Captain: Matko Candrlic from Croatia
Cruise Director: J.C. Sanchez from Philippines
Ports: New Orleans (3), Isla Cozumel, Mexico (2), Harvest Caye, Belize (2), Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico (2), Belize City, Belize.

This is my first cruise on the NCL Breakaway, 6th & 7th time sailing Norwegian Cruise Line, 4th time sailing from NOLA, and 140th & 141st cruises overall. The ‘dear wife’ (DW) and I are sailing with the Snoozemates on their 10th annual February group cruise.

Saturday / Travel / February 16th / Day 0
A good cruise friend stayed at the Ranch Friday night and the three of us were off about 9:15 am headed south using some pretty Texas blue highways. We had a very nice lunch at the Ranch Hand Cafe near Cleveland, Texas…my second time at the unique country cafe. CFS is specialty, but I had the Hawaiian Chicken.  The sandwiches looked really good.  We continued and joined the Interstate highway system in Beaumont and had an uneventful trip although I didn’t enjoy the interstate as much as the rural Texas blue highways.  Soon we crossed the Mississippi River at Baton Rouge and arrived in Gonzales, Louisiana about 6:10 pm. to stay overnight at the LaQuinta.  They have opened a new burger place next door named Mooyah with a good selection of hand crafted hamburgers.  The fries are great and identical to Guy’s...all was good including the shake.  A good travel day.

 Sunday / Embarkation / February 17th / Day 1

Mississippi River Bridge at NOLA

I was up early and used the fast hotel internet before going  down to lobby for my complementary breakfast waffle.  While the girls were getting ready I serviced the car and we were all ready by our designated departure time of 9:00 am.  We were in NOLA about 10:00 am and after some confusion about official parking for the cruise terminal we were parked and in the terminal about 11:30 am.  The Julia Street terminal used by NCL is not nearly as guest friendly or as easy as the Erato Street (Carnival cruise line) terminal. I seriously question if I would ever sail from NOLA using this terminal again as the parking is a big mess.  It was actually a short walk to the terminal once we were able to get into the official parking area.  The check-in actually went well and we were processed and soon boarding the NCL Breakaway.  We were on before noon and went immediately to O’Sheehan’s and got a table since cabins are not yet available.  Very soon we were joined by various members of our Snoozemates’ group and we basically had a great welcome aboard party for several hours.  We did order food and the cocktails very much relieved the anxiety of the parking situation. We even extended the party once we realized that our muster station was on the same deck aft…some of us had a nice 4 hour party overall.  Muster (safety) drill went well then we proceeded to our cabin on deck 14 aft.  The great relief was seeing our bags out front of our cabin door when we arrived as we questioned if we dropped them at correct location during the parking fiasco.  We have a nice cabin on deck 14 with an angled (slightly larger) balcony near the aft elevators. I think a good location.  We began unpacking and familiarized ourselves with our cabin home for the next 14 days. About 5:30 we went up one deck to the Lido Buffet and I had a very nice specially cut Prime Rib from the carving station.  It was excellent.  Our group met on deck six in the atrium area at 6:30 and from there everyone split into groups for dining.  NCL has a unique ‘Freestyle’ dining system with a variety of specialty restaurants and three regular dining rooms with no set-time dining.  More on those as we explore the next two weeks.  Everyone in the group selected two benefit packages, most going with the UBP Unlimited Beverage Package and the 4-night premium dining.  We chose the UBP and paid Gratuities since the DW is a vegetarian; however, I personally will do some premium restaurants. The entertainment tonight is the Welcome Show, but it didn’t fit into our freestyle schedule so did not attend…it did seem to be a bigger show than other lines.  We retired to the cabin soon after everyone was off to dinner.  As we perused the TV channels I noticed that the Fox News Channel is an option, something not seen on Carnival…a nice variety.  It was a interesting day of travel and discovery on board the NCL Breakaway.  The highlight was seeing our good cruising friends in the group.

Monday / Sea Day / February 18th / Day 2

Atrium area of NCL Breakaway

Since we retired early I woke at 4:00 am so I purchased the social internet package ($90) and worked on this review for a few hours before sleeping again.  I awoke with a 8:44am phone call and thought I had time to make an MDR for breakfast but soon realized that we set our time forward last night and 9:00 am became 10:00 am so I went upstairs to the Garden Cafe buffet for breakfast.  They have several omelet stations, fruit stations, hot & cold cereals, bread & toast stations, and the usual egg choices with bacon, ham, english bacon, and more.  I had a pre-made vegetable omelet (excellent), scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, and watermelon.  It was very good breakfast.  I began settling into the cabin opening my packing cubes and hanging some shirts and pants.  Certainly a better morning than yesterdays parking/embarkation circus.  We did a walkabout and went to see a friends cabin in the solo Studio area, a very nice option for solo guests not wishing to pay a supplement.  I went to deck six lobby area and had a Bloody Mary and filled my yeti with ginger ale (NCL has Pepsi products).  I saw a travel agent friend and her husband at the bar…small world, she did ask if our group had our matching shirts.  Correct group but we have outgrown (literally) our shirts, I know I’d have to have a size larger. Went back to cabin to push our make-up cabin light for the cabin steward, but it was already done by 12:30.pm.  We went up to the Garden Cafe, so convenient just above our cabin, for a light lunch about 1:30 pm.  I had an excellent Pecan crusted chicken, a Pork cordon blu, and a Cherry cobbler with ice creme from the ice creme station.  We explored the ship especially on decks 7 and 8 where we had not been previously.  We ran into a group of friends on deck 8 that grew to a bigger group of friends that lead to cocktails.  Fun people.  Returned to the cabin about 5:00 to prepare for evening cocktails and dinner. DW got a light meal from the Garden Cafe and is having a cabin night tonight.  I met many of the group about 6:10 pm in the atrium and arranged to eat dinner with friends in Savor Dining Room.  Met the assistant Matre’D from Romania and she critiqued the photos of my Romanian dishes in my iPhone.  She thought I did an excellent job of getting the right traditional foods.  I had the Cobb Salad, New York Strip Steak, and a very nice Roast Beef entree. All very nice. For desert I ordered an Apple Strudel and a Boston Creme Pie.  Lots of activities on the ship, but I retire early as we have an early excursion tomorrow.  It was a fun spontaneous day on the Norwegian Breakaway.

Tuesday  /  Cozumel Mexico  /  February 19th / Day 3

Fun with boats - Cozumel

Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well.  We were docked by 7:30 am next to the Disney Magic at Puerto Langusto in Cozumel close to the town of San Miguel.  About 8:00 am I went up one deck to The Garden Cafe and as the early guests were off and no line I had a very nice omelet from the omelet station. Very nice. DW is staying on board this morning so I met our Snoozemates’ CozBoatPeople group about 9:00 am.  Eleven of us rented a private boat to take us to El Celio for four hours so we taxied to Marina Fonatur to board the SeaRose. Nice crew. It was windy and El Celio was muddy so we sailed south and had a semi beach day for those brave enough to go into the water.  It really turned out to be a ‘booze cruise’ as the crew made up for the wind with lots of beer, tequila, guacamole, sandwiches, fresh fruit, snacks, and more.  We even had a Bohemia beer restock. We tried to do some fishing on the way back, but decided to cut it short if they would drop us off at one of the San Miguel piers.  That was close enough to walk back to the ship and others to walk to Woody’s in town.  Soon we were joined by DW and others for a little party with our friend Nelly. I had one of her huge Margaritas.  About 4:00 pm we strolled the shops to Puerto Langusto to board the NCL Breakaway.   A stop at Garden Spot to take food to the cabin and balcony to watch the Magic sail away then a view of San Miguel.  Since I had enjoyed the hospitality of the boat and Woody’s (i.e.—drinking all day) and we already had food we decided to make it a cabin night.  I watched some TV but know I fell asleep early.  I did wake in the night and updated to Facebook photos of our day (I only did the Social Media internet package) and watched some reruns of days news and commentary before sleeping again.  It was a FUN day with friends in Cozumel.

Wednesday / Sea Day / February 20th / Day 4

Manhattan Dining Room - main dining room

Fine seas overnight and I had a long restful sleep. I was famished having skipped dinner and went for breakfast in the Savor MDR.  I loved the tablecloths (changed after each guest), excellent service, and great food.  I ordered tomato juice, hot milk, melon plate, the days special of Eggs Benedict on a biscuit, sides of bacon, tomato, and country potatoes. It was very good and I prefer the eggs on the biscuit better than the English muffin.  I may do some at the ranch.  I really feel energized (for an old guy) after the long sleep and breakfast.  I had balcony time the rest of the morning updated the blog and reviewing the rest of the cruise.  I tried to make show reservations and many already filled so looking at options to book early next week.  I had a nice Asian grill lunch in the Garden Cafe and filled my Yeti with ginger ale for an after lunch walkabout.  The deck 8 outdoor promenade style walk is great place for outdoor air, bars, and some seating without the mass of humanity on the Lido deck. I did have a beer with friends as they came by. I was able to get in a short nap before prepping for dinner.  We met the group on deck six after 6:00 pm for apéritifs and nice music then to the Manhattan MDR on deck 7 aft where we had a table for nine. This is the primary MDR (main dining room) and is very nice with entertainment or music while dining. There was mixed reviews from the group on the dinner, but I really enjoyed mine.  I ordered the Pasta Fagioli Soup, a Tomato salad, and two entrees:  Tenderloin Beef Skewers with Asian Vegetables & an excellent Hawaiian Style Pork Belly.  For dessert a Carrot Cake (too dry) but a nice warm Bread Pudding.  It was 10:30 pm when we finished so we retired to the cabin.  It was a nice relaxing day on the NCL Breakaway.

Thursday / Harvest Caye, Belize  / February 21st / Day 5

Ship view from Havest Caye

Seas calmed and I had a very nice sleep. I woke early and worked on review and some FB time as we were docking at Harvest Caye.  About 8:15 am I went down to the nocchi MDR for breakfast.  I ordered three sunny-side Eggs, Bacon, Ham, hash brown Potatoes, hot Milk, Tomato Juice, Toast, and an assorted Melon plate.  The food was very good but the service was better in Savor.  Odd since they are basically the same restaurant, but it may have been just the server.  Relaxed this morning then I went down to deck four to exit the ship and look around the island.  They have a nice covered walkway onto the island and a small golf cart type shuttle for seniors.  The island is a Norwegian Cruise Line owned destination site with the convenience of a dock.  There is a very large pool and very large beach that are the primary destination of guests.  Also shoppes, a wildlife area, Zip line from the Lighthouse, a lagoon, and more.  It is easier than stopping at Belize City especially if your just looking for sun and a beach.  It was warm and humid and since I didn’t wear a bathing suit I returned fairly early to the ship.  I met the DW as she was going ashore with friends and warned her about the heat.  I went up to the Garden Cafe for lunch and as on other cruise line many of the crew is allowed to eat at the buffet.  Rather busy since only one side of buffet was open.  I had a Caribbean meat-loaf and vegetables.  I had cabin and balcony time in the afternoon.  Only time for one cocktail before the 6:30 pm curtain time for the show ‘Rock of Ages’.  BTW-If attending the shows be sure to make reservations early.  We had great seats on row three for the Broadway style show and it was a very entertaining show.  I never saw the theatrical play before tonight but I did see the movie so was somewhat familiar with story line of the one hour forty-five minute production.  Very professionally done and a must see show.  We had dinner in Savor about 8:30 pm.  It was a nice meal with just the two of us.  DW ordered the Bruschetta and Potato Gnocchi entree.  I ordered the Mozzarella and Plum Tomatoes, Lime and Dill Shrimp, and the Pan-seared New Zealand Haki Fillet as an entree.  For dessert we had: Black Forest Cake, Flourless Chocolate Cake, and a Banana Split.  After a long evening we retired to the cabin.  It was a fun day on the Breakaway.

Friday  /  Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico  /  February 22nd-Birthday / Day 6

Waterfall cool off

Very smooth Caribbean seas overnight and I slept very well.  I was awake before we docked at 7:00 am in Costa Maya.  Weather is nice and the water looks best of the cruise so far.  I had a relaxing morning reading the numerous birthday posts on Facebook.  I am a very lucky guy.  I went up to the Garden Cafe for breakfast about 9:00 am and no line at omelet station as many are already off the ship at this short port call.  After my casual breakfast I went up to deck 16 aft about 11:00 am where we had our annual Bloody Mary morning with most the group in the Spice H2O area.  They have a bar and very nice cool off waterfall, the only negative is that it is a smoking area.  Most actually stayed until our early sail away about 1:30 pm.  A Fun spontaneous party.  A stop at the Garden Cafe for light lunch of pork cutlets and potatoes then retired to the cabin for a much needed afternoon nap.  We did something a bit different tonight, we met at Shakers the cocktail lounge for our aperitifs, and Cosmopolitans for me.  A group of us had a late dinner at  Cagney’s, the steakhouse, on the NCL Breakaway.  I ordered: the Slow-Roasted Pork Belly, the Iceberg Wedge, and the Porterhouse Steak.  It was very nice.  To be honest the pork belly in the MDR was better and not that big an upgrade from the MDR.  IMHO.    I retired to the cabin about 11:00pm.  I was a nice relaxing birthday on the NCL Breakaway.


Saturday  /  Sea Day  /  February 23rd / Day 7

Teppanyaki Chef

Smooth seas and I slept very well.  For a change we went up to Margaritaville for breakfast. Basically the same as the Garden Cafe with fewer selections but not as busy.  We then began a walk of the ship just to stretch the legs a bit.  It’s a large ship and also busy with 4300 guests on this week.  We then had cabin time and watched two good movies.  It was time for a late lunch 1:40 pm in the Garden Cafe and we had a very nice table and watched the Carnival Dream as she sailed along side of us on the starboard side. I enjoy that.  I enjoyed a couple of beers in the Atrium with the boys, I went with Peroni beer for my Italian friends.  We had cocktails and apéritifs in Shakers again tonight with more of the group.  Tonight was the best meal of the cruise…most all the group ate at the Teppanyaki restaurant.  They have tables of eight guests for each chef and it is quite the experience.  I ordered an Asian cocktail with the Lychee fruit to start.  We were served the traditional beans spouts to start as well as well as two dipping sauces. First courses were a Soup and Salad.  As an entree I ordered a Beef fillet and Sea Scallop combination. They also served everyone an extra  shrimp course as well.  Very filling.  Of course the show while cooking the fried rice is something to see…it starts with the tools, in which the knife, fork, and spatula are tossed, flipped, drummed, and clanged together. Next, the chef skillfully chops and dices the food, and then quickly sets the grill aflame, creating a feast that’s both culinary and visually entertaining for the guest.  I retired after dinner and unlike most other guests I don’t have to pack tonight.  It was another relaxing sea day on the NCL Breakaway.

Sunday  /  New Orleans, USA  /  February 24th / Day 8

Circus friend on deck 6

I woke very early, about 4:00 am, and noticed that we were in the river with internet available on my iPhone so started my mail for the week I missed.  Also posting to the blog.  I will get a different internet package this week.  We began approaching NOLA about 5:15 am interesting to see the big city lights as we sail by on the river.  I had a very nice leisurely breakfast in Savor:  very nice mixed fruits, 3 eggs sunny, bacon, ham, hash browns, toast, tomato juice, and hot milk.  DW went up to the buffet and returned with her balcony breakfast.  We heard debark announcements and it seemed to going very well in fact they were making last calls about 9:15 am. I had just told DW that they may ask for the B2B people early and then they announced and called on phone.  The B2B people met on deck 8 and most where our group.  We were taken down to U.S. Customs, then back through port Security, then boarded the ship again.  About a 45 minute process.  We were back in cabin by 10:30 am.  Everything going so smooth that cabins were open to guests an hour earlier than previous week. I made reservations for the shows we didn’t see last week and we had some cabin time with movies until time for Muster Drill.  I want to mention that we sat in the Taste MDR during drill and the table settings were covered by table coverings, on Carnival for example, they do not do that and I always felt that those guests eating dinner (especially on first setting) will be exposed to the germs of guests from safety drill.  Good work NCL. Most of the group ate in O’Sheehan’s as last Sunday, but I’m having a work day and got a quick lunch at the buffet.  About 6:00 pm DW and I went up to Shakers for a cocktail then back down to deck six atrium to meet friends.  The atrium is really the only area with enough seating for our group. We went to eat at the Garden Cafe just as we did last Sunday as it is Prime Rib night up there. This week I discovered that they do have a hot grill associated with the carving station it was just out of site.  My thick cut perfectly seared Prime Rib was excellent, second best meal of the cruise (so far).  We retired to the cabin after dinner since I have been at it since 4:00 am. today.  We did turn our clocks forward to EST so time evened out.  I basically used all my data on my phone, but it was successful, uploaded Blog for last week and even booked a cruise for a client. Also downloaded the NCL app so that will make monitoring my ship board account easier. I also purchased 250 minutes of internet for this week ($125.00), enough to check mail and update blog. It was a smooth and interesting transition day on the NCL Breakaway.

Monday  /  Day at Sea  /  February 25th / Day 9
Smooth seas overnight and I slept well.  We sat in river for a time that actually woke me as I had been so used to being rocked to sleep at night. Clear blue skies and water, but a bit breezy.  I went up to the buffet for a light light breakfast as I have plans for lunch today. Today I was insulted to my face by staff.  I went to the Cruise Next desk to purchase a single future certificate,  the desk is well known for their up sell philosophy so I said upfront that I am an experienced cruiser with 141 cruises and a travel agent and that I am fully aware of the program.  After stating all that she said if I only got one that it was stupid, i.e. I am stupid.  Stupid was her word. I know that the next level up, two futures offers a better return of OBC (on board credit) than what I wanted the single. But I only want one now as I can get more on the next cruise when I will not be in a group and will need more OBC.  Still deciding what to do about this but to insult a guest is surely not in their training.  Went to Moderno Churrascaria for the Seaday BBQ, this was excellent.  Beautiful room with excellent salad and dessert buffet and various BBQ dishes served in chafing dishes.  I had some nice salads and a selection of Ribs, Steak, Chicken, and Sausage.  They have service and not too busy as it had not been discovered as yet by guests, but only two sea days this week to enjoy it.  We had a relaxing afternoon enjoying balcony (with cloudy skies) and cabin time.  We met the group for cocktails in the atrium then went to the theater for excellent production show Burn the Floor.  A very high energy show featuring the dancers and two feature singers.  Great exhibition of dancing.  After the show we went to Savor for dinner.  It was a nice and relaxing dinner, I ordered:  the Scotch Beef Barley Soup, Cobb Salad, Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop grilled entree, and Cherries Jubilee for dessert.  It was a good dinner with good service.  We retired after dinner.  It was another great sea day on the NCL Breakaway.

Tuesday  /  Cozumel, Mexico  /  February 26th / Day 10

Fun at Woody's  -  Cozumel

Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well.  Sunny and calm seas this morning, but wind increased in Cozumel in afternoon…perhaps we should have done our boat hire this week. I had a great breakfast in Savor MDR as most guests were preparing to leave the ship.  Three eggs with the works and biscuits.  Since we are docked at Punta Langosta I left the ship and walked to downtown San Miguel.  I was at Antonio’s Barber Shoppe by 10:00 am. and Martin cut my hair as he has done for about 12 years now.  Then to Woody’s table 7 to use the internet.  The 250 hours on the ship is a bit short of my needs.  The Coca-Cola sure tastes good here and they have a new female musician too.  Soon friends began arriving and we had 13 people for lunch.  Woody’s was busier than I have ever seen them...very busy.  The girls shopped, I went to the drug store, we enjoyed the guacamole and chips, and listened to music.  It was great FUN as always at Woody’s Bar and Grill.  I took my time walking back to the ship and stopped for a Bohemia beer at the Thirsty Cougar, much better to be docked at Punta Langosta to have this walking option.  As I was boarding the ship I saw the Assistant Hotel Director whom I have had a very friendly relationship all cruise.  He welcomed me back and was quite aware of my situation yesterday.  Soon the Hotel Director arrived and headed straight for us.  She was on the problem.  I stopped by Shakers to fill my yeti with ginger ale and soon after arriving in the cabin had an apology phone call from the Cruise Next manager.  Apology accepted and all now good.  In fact I’m sending her clients to get a B2B booked and I’ll still need my single future as well. Thanks NCL.  I met the group for cocktails at 6:00 pm in the atrium and six of us ended up at Manhattans MDR for dinner.  I ordered the  Potato Soup, Beet Salad, Roasted Beef entree and Bananas Foster for dessert.  Service was a bit slow, but it was prime dining time, I think I like Savor MDR much better.  After dinner it was cabin time.  We finally had a one of the ladies win in the casino, but personally I haven’t really done the casino on any cruise in a while.  It was a very nice Cozumel day on the NCL Breakaway.

Wednesday  /  Belize City, Belize  /  February 27th / Day 11

Moderno Churrascaia Salad Bar

Smooth seas continue and I slept very well and late…until 8:30 am in fact when they began announcements for tendering into Belize.  I went to Savor for breakfast as it’s Biscuit Benedict day, I ordered them and a Huevos Ranchero plate as well.  A very nice casual and filling breakfast.  We are staying on the ship today as we have been to this area many times. We’ve done it all: our favorite Caye Caulker (many times), River rafting, Belize Zoo, two Mayan ruins, Snorkeling, old Belize City, and more.  I went up to deck 16 for some waterfall and hot tub time then met the guys for a Bloody Mary.  Just a light lunch in the Garden Cafe then balcony and TV time in the cabin in the afternoon.  DW and I had date night, going to Shakers for some apéritifs, the bartender creating a cocktail for me consisting of Titos Vodka and Elderflower.  We then went to Moderno Churrascaia where we were seated at a two top window facing the impending sundown on the Caribbean.  This is a Brazilian style churrascaia where the meat is served on skewers brought to your table.  We had not eaten in one since we were last in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil many years ago.  I started with the Brazilian cocktail Caipirinha.  You begin with the best salad bar I have seen on a cruise ship.  The display was fantastic and items included: Lettuce, Arugula, Spinach, Pickled Hearts of Palm (very Brazilian), Sliced Heirloom Tomatoes, Beet-root, Couscous, Potato Salad, Tabouli, Pickled Onion, Asparagus, Artichokes, Sweet Peppers, Cherry Tomatoes, and much more.  Also a variety of sushi and cold meats including Prosciutto.  With Two Soups and Various Breads including small Cheese Breads on your table.  Cheeses included: Mozzarella, Toasted Provolone, Oregano Cheese, Chanco and more. They served a wide variety of meats to your table on skewers, my favorites were: Fillet Mignon, Lamb, Strip Steak, and Bacon-wrapped Chicken.  For dessert we had the Mango Rice Pudding and Chocolate/Coconut Tres Leche Cake. It was a fantastic meal, thank you Vesna and NCL.  Allow two hours for this wonderful experience.  After this wonderful dinner we retired for cabin time.  A wonderful day on the NCL Breakaway.

Thursday  /  Harvest Caye, Belize  /  February 28th / Day 12

A bit of rolling seas overnight and we were docked by sunrise this morning.  I had some internet time and watched news on TV early this morning.  I had a light breakfast in the Garden Cafe then walked about the ship this morning.  Balcony and cabin time until lunch at O’Sheehan’s, I had Buffalo Wings, Rueben Sandwich and a Perone beer. It was very busy at O’Sheehan’s and it’s a good option as food is available almost 24/7.  Beautiful weather so guests really enjoyed the private island of Harvest Caye, but it’s a ship day for most in our group.  We had reservations for Rock of Ages (again), but there’s illness in the cast (washy-washy) so it was cancelled.  We met all the group for cocktails and I was also able to book a couple on a nice B2B fall foliage cruise in 2020 through the Future Cruise desk. We went to the substitute show Three Tenors of Rock in the theater that sing rock music and basically a glorified Karaoke Show. It was a full house.  We are fortunate that we saw the feature Rock of Ages last week as it was never done this week. Most of our group are using their dinner vouchers this evening in the premium restaurants, DW and I ate in Taste MDR this evening.  I ordered: the Broccoli Soup, Southwestern Salad, and Chinese-style BBQ Pork.  For dessert a Banana Spilt.  About 4000 guests this week 300 fewer than last week and more locals, I love hearing the Cajun accent around the ship.  Another nice day on board the NCL Breakaway.

Friday  /  Costa Maya, Mexico  /  March 1st / Day 13

Costa Maya Mexico

Smooth seas overnight and I again slept well.  We arrived early in Puerto Costa Maya and ready to disembark at 7:00 am for those that wished.  I went down to Savor for a very nice breakfast: 3 eggs, ham, bacon, hash browns, fruit, hot milk, and more.  The HAL Rotterdam is also docked with us and I sail that ship next month.  Thankfully after we were on the dock the MSC Armonia attempted to dock and was battling high winds.  If we had not already been ashore we would not have been able to debark for a half hour+ due to safety.  DW and I walked into the port area about 9:30 and we enjoyed a few Coca-colas and she shopped a bit.  Pricing is much too high, they must have a high fee to the port authority.  It actually makes us want to take a trip to Progreso Mexico for some bargains as we could use a few things.  We returned to the ship about 11:30 am as the MSC Armonia guests were pouring off…a noticeable more international group.  Once on board we paused at the Atrium Bar for some refreshing cocktails to cool ourselves.  Yusef, our very congenial Turkish bartender, also fixed me a special cocktail and the Hotel Director Vesna stopped to say hello…she is so great.  I went up to deck 16 and did the waterfall to cool off…very nice concept.  The bar there also specializes in a frozen Mango drink as I discovered last week so I had two  of those with floaters.  Nice.  About 2:00 pm-ish a light snack of fresh Chicken Breast from the carving station in the Garden Cafe.  We sailed about 2:15 pm and are now heading back towards NOLA. Balcony time and an actual nap in late afternoon…it was nice.  We went to our group meeting area for cocktails with most of the group about 6:00ish then DW and I attended the encore production show Burn the Floor at 7:00.  We scored great seats again on row three center for this high energy show…I’ve never seen so much high energy dancing in a one hour time frame.  Amazing.  They had a great farewell with crew and we got to see our favorite members of the staff.  Very Nice.  After the show we went to the Garden Cafe where they are having Asian Night.  I had Peking Duck and some of my favorite Asian dishes…The Duck & Vegetable rolls were very good.  We had cabin time and communicated with the DD in Florida after dinner. We turn back our clock to CST tonight so a good night to rest from a busy day.  It was another good day in Mexico and the NCL Breakaway.

Saturday  /  Sea Day  /  March 2nd / Day 14

Much visited Garden Cafe

Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well.  I went down to Savor for my final proper breakfast and it was also Biscuits Benedict day.  Great breakfast experience:  good food, service, table setting all week.  Beautiful day so I had balcony time then ran into friends on deck 8 and had beers.  About 1:15 I went to Moderno for lunch.  It was Spanish food day but it was more Mediterranean IMHO with Spanokopita, two pork entrees, chicken, and fish in the buffet chaffing dishes and they had a great salad bar.  I had a very nice green salad with pickled artichokes, onions, and peppers. I also had the Spanokopita, and Pork cutlet  entree with Rice pudding for dessert.  More Balcony time after lunch as the Carnival Dream is approached us on starboard (my balcony) side.  Loved watching it sail along with us and enjoying perfect weather.  We did some packing this afternoon, I’ll finish early in the morning.  We met the group for cocktails in the Atrium.  It’s really the only place that 10-12 can meet and get cocktails on the Breakaway.  MSC for example has three large banquettes for groups in their atriums.  We did make our own area by moving chairs each evening.  It was a FUN final gathering.  DW and I had our final dinner in Savor, I ordered the Scallops and Prime Rib, and it was good.  Adriana from Romania stopped by and DW happened to be wearing her traditional Romanian blouse this evening that caught her eye.  We retired early as the plan is to wake early.  It was a nice final sea day on the NCL Breakaway.

Sunday  /  Debarkation Day  /  March 3rd
We were awake from 3:00 am when we were notified that the DD was in labor and admitted to the hospital.  Several weeks early.  Well no sleep from then on.  We will soon be in NOLA exactly half way between the Ranch (home) and DD in Tampa Florida.  It’s about nine hours drive either way.  What to do?  We have another passenger riding with us to complicate matters.  Who will use air and where do they go.  Poor connections to TPA so driving would be faster, but ultimately we decided to go home as probably would not be  in Tampa in time for delivery and there is also a lot of items we are supposed to be transporting to Florida.  Long story short we made it home before delivery so probably would have made it to hospital in time.  We will head that way after a bit of a rest.  Drive was rainy at times, but uneventful and we enjoyed a great TexMex dinner at Los Pericos in Huntsville, Texas.

Ship
The NCL Breakaway entered service on 30 April 2013. She was constructed at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

Tonnage:     145,655 GT                             Length:     1068.3 ft
Beam:         169.7 ft                                    Draft:        27 ft (8.23 m)
Decks:         18                                            Speed:      22 knots            
Capacity:     3963-double occupancy         Crew:       1,657

Cabin
We had cabin 14842 a balcony cabin (with extended angle balcony space) located on deck 14 near aft elevators. The cabin has a double bed, a push button safe with light, two-section closet, small couch, two electrical outlets on counter/dresser, interactive TV, Telephone, excellent Hair dryer at counter/dresser, refrigerator (never used), and nice fixed doors at shower. My cabin steward, Aquilino Bathan from Philippines was very good, the cabin was always clean. This is the first cabin ever that was actually too cold if we had the thermoset on coolest setting.  We never needed the fan we brought along.

Dining / Food / Bars
Huge difference with the Freestyle dining on NCL.  There are NO set dining times anywhere, but the option to dine in six or seven dining venues or six premium venues with an extra cover charge.  I really like the Tablecloths in the primary dining rooms…very classy compared to Carnival Cruise Line.  They also have one MDR with stricter dress code and one MDR with more casual dress code.  Something for everyone.  I like it.  The food was very impressive, but also different to me so change is good.  They did have a REAL steak, among other nice entrees offered every night on a set menu if you wished, or the daily menu that changes with special entrees.  Very impressive menus and waiters were very friendly and helpful.  The BBQ on sea days is great.  The bakery is very good as all breads were excellent. There are two almost 24 hour soft serve ice creme machines in addition to an ice creme station in the Garden Cafe. There are 21 bars on board, my favorites were Shakers the martini bar and Headliners bar in Atrium.  One of the few items that need improvement IMHO is slow bar service, but it is due to that the vast majority of guests (75%) have a drink package.

Crew / Other
Most crew were friendly, helpful, and efficient.  The NCL iPhone App is wonderful, especially for checking your account balances or reserving entertainment.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CRUISES
Moderno Churrascaia
Private boat tour in Cozumel
Teppanyaki Dinner
Rock of Ages theatrical production show
Woody’s Day in Cozumel
Burn the Floor production show
UBP
 

MSC Divina Review - January 10, 2019

MSC Divina Cruise Review  January 10, 2019

Just the Facts:
Ship: MSC Divina
Ports: Miami, USA - St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda - Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis - Road Town, British Virgin Islands - Pointe−a−Pitre, Guadeloupe -  Philipsburg, St. Maarten - Miami, USA.

I’m cruising as a solo. This is my 3rd cruise on the MSC Divina, my 9th MSC cruise and my 139th cruise overall.  I do have some good cruise friends sailing.

Thursday January 10  / Travel-Miami  /  Embarkation / Day 1

MSC Divina Atrium

I am flying into port on the day of embarkation so travel begins very early.  I left the ranch at 3:45 am for the drive to Waco, TX and the 4:50 am boarding time for the flight to DFW.  I arrived about 4:40 am and was through the TSA screening and at gate one at exactly 4:50 am.  Soon we were off to DFW airport where I arrived in time for my 7:10 am flight to Fort Lauderdale.  The flight was uneventful arriving about 11:00 am local time. I arranged transport through SAS transport to the Port of Miami arriving about noon. I went through security and had a short line to see an agent and receive my MSC Black Loyalty Club member sail card. Unfortunately they had not begun boarding as there was a delay in debarkation of previous cruise due to fewer Border Agents because of the government shutdown.  We did begin boarding about 1:00 pm.  They did allow the Black Card guests to board just after the Yacht Club.  I met two long time cruise friends and we went to the buffet on deck 14 for a nice lunch after boarding.  I had Tacos from the Mexican station and the Guacamole was wonderful.  After lunch, about 2:30, I went down to my cabin on deck 5 for a much needed nap.  Having an interior cabin this cruise has an advantage as it is very dark and great for day time napping, I did not wake until they began announcements for the safety muster.  Safety drill was uneventful, they scan your card at the muster station and demonstrate the life jackets.  When I returned to the cabin my luggage was there…always good to see as I had everything in one bag this trip.  I met my friends at the Divina Bar about 6:30 pm for cocktails then we went to dinner in the Black Crab Dining room (MDR) on deck six.  Our other friends and clients sailing were there so it was very nice to see everyone.  We have a very nice eight-top table with a nice padded tablecloth (pun on Carnival) and proper silver service and good waiters. For dinner I ordered the Tomato Soup, Classic Niçoise Salad and the beef Short Rib entree.  For dessert a Snickers Cake (yes it tasted like the candy bar) and Catalan Cream.  All but the soup was very good as was the service.   After dinner I retired to the cabin for needed rest after a very long and busy day.  It's nice to be aboard the MSC Divina.

 Friday January 11  /  Day at Sea  /  Day 2

MSC Divina Atrium

Smooth seas overnight with just enough movement for a very enjoyable nights sleep. The bed is ideal and very comfortable. I have four nice pillows, so very adequate.  I awoke about 7:40 am and knowing friends were meeting at 8:00 and the fact my cabin is on same deck as the MDR I was able to meet them for a proper breakfast. I ordered Eggs Benedict with a side of bacon & fresh grilled potatoes.  I was served Hot Milk that is not always easy to get on other cruise lines but very common on the Divina.  After breakfast I unpacked and finished cabin set-up converting 220 plugs to 110 and a charging station for my laptop and iPhone, put up magnets, and stored luggage for the duration of the cruise.  I upgraded my internet account and began this review as well as some internet work. I’m disappointed that there are so few TV stations available and no regular American networks, but that’s really to be expected on an international ship.  I went out to atrium and ran into friends so my computer work turned into a Bloody Mary gathering time.  I did get an excursion changed so all would be on same time frame.  We met a great bar server that really took care of us and it was fun on our Atrium day.  This is the Captain’s Night so we were back in the Divina Bar for our complementary cocktails before the feature show.  The 7:00 pm show in the Pantheon Theater was The Show Must Go On a tribute to the rock group Queen and featuring the Dancers, Feature singers, the Opera singers, and Aerialist.  A new show to me and very worthwhile.  The Captain and senior staff were introduced before the show…a new thing is that they now allow drinks in the theater…a no no previously.  After the show a quick stop at the cabin (convenient location to theater) then to the MDR for dinner.  It was a very nice Captains dinner, I ordered a Shrimp Cocktail, Eggplant Parmesan, Lobster Ravioli (as starter), the Beef Tournedos entree, and Key Lime Pie & Rice Pudding for dessert.  The entree was excellent but service was slow.  After dinner I enjoyed listening to Classical Interludes in the Atrium that featured a wonderful French Torch Singer who did some of my favorite tunes.  I retired afterward and turned our clocks forward one hour.  It was a great day on the MSC Divina.

Saturday January 12  /  at Sea  /  Day 3

The Amazing Mask

Smooth seas overnight and I again slept very well.  I awoke at 9:15 am so overslept the MDR meet time for breakfast.  About 10:15 I went up to deck 14 and the buffet.  They have a wide variety of choices for breakfast.  I had various types of eggs and bacon with a hot waffle.  I then had some cabin time to review options for today and future excursions.  I again ran into my friends in the atrium so we were able to coordinate that we were on the same excursions since MSC had made some time changes on many including the ones we were taking.  A few Bloody Marys & a Prosecco from Jay our new favorite Divina cocktail server…then time for some Pizza and beer on deck 14.  MSC is well know for the quality of their pizzas.  Our waiter from the recent MSC Seaside cruise was working and we visited, he prefers the Divina over Seaside and has been on her six years.  A nice plate of chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of Prosecco was delivered to the cabin this afternoon as a part of the Black Card benefits.  I went to Un Pacio all’Opera Classical Concert at 3:15 in the Pantheon Theater, it was a very nice show and something only found on MSC cruises. It was then time to prepare for the evening beginning with the Black Card member reception at 5:15 in the Black & White lounge.  The reception was nice, they served cocktails and more.  They even delivered a round of Hugo’s to our table.  The Captain and staff did a toast and one of the feature entertainers performed.  Soon it was then time for the 7:00 pm show in the Pantheon Theater, tonight it is The Amazing Mask. I had seen this show twice previously and it was a most impressive production with singing, dancing, acrobatics, and more.  I had a great view from row two center for this spectacular show.  I love my cabin location as I can pop in after the theater shows before heading to the MDR for dinner.  Dinner was again good, I ordered: Juniper & Gin cured Gravlax, Kolokithokrftedes (Zucchini fritters), Penne Pasta with Vodka, and for my entree the Cocoa-dusted Pork Tenderloin with bliss potato & grilled asperagus. For dessert Galaktoboureko (Greek custard pie).  All good and Tenderloin very good.  Service was slow again tonight, it was quite busy previous night but not tonight so not good.  I retired after dinner to cabin.  It was another busy and fun day at sea on the MSC Divina.

Sunday January 13  /  St. Johns, Antigua  /  Day 4

Mystic Catamarans in port

Very smooth seas again overnight and I was up very early by 5:00 am so caught up on blog and internet time.  The MDR opened at 7:00 am on this port day and I went shortly afterward and was seated at a share table straightaway.  I ordered three eggs with ham, bacon, & hash browns and a fruit plate.  It was very good as well as my hot milk.  We docked about 9:00 am and at 9:45 met my excursion Catamaran Cruise & Lobster Lunch, the same tour I did when here previously on the MSC Seaside.  We walked off the ship at exactly the meet time and walked the short distance to the Mystic Cats.  Not overly crowded and it was a nice sail around to the west side of the island.  The water is beautiful and the scenery is spectacular.  We could see the mysterious island of Montserrat and even Nevis in the distance.  We stopped at Turner’s Beach for an hour+ then re boarded the Cat for our Lobster Lunch.  It was fine and the bar was free flowing for the rest of the cruise. We then sailed to a secluded beach for another hour of beach time before sailing back to St. John’s and the ship.  Easy to get to my cabin on deck five from gangway on deck four…I like it.  I took an immediate nap and slept until 7:15 pm missing tonights Frank Sinatra tribute show in the theater.  It was a good rest though.  I made it to dinner @ 8:30 in the MDR, I don’t always do dinner on excursion days but the nap helped.  It was Caribbean night and the menu was weakest of the cruise.  I ordered Shrimp Tails Guadeloupe-style, Virgin Island Salad, Creamy Creole Pasta (as starter), and the Jamaican Style Beef entree.  For dessert the Red Velvet Cake.  Dinner was just OK actually, but our service continues to be slow, I had hoped it would improve with fewer guests dining, but no it didn’t.  I had cabin time and updated blog after dinner but retired soon as I have another excursion tomorrow.  It was a nice first port and first excursion day.

Monday January 14  /  Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis  /  Day 5

Sunshine's Bar on island of Nevis

Again very calm seas overnight and I slept well…I again woke very early at 5:00 am but I had 8 hours counting my late nap yesterday.  I went to the MDR for a nice breakfast this morning with eggs, bacon, ham, potatoes, hot milk, and more.  My excursion met and left at 8:45 this morning, I’m doing a Catamaran Snorkel and Nevis beach tour.  A larger group with some familiar faces, but a very nice ship. I was able to stake out a nice seated spot with a table too.  We sailed to about 40 minutes and anchored off a cliff area and ship wreak for our snorkel spot. I snorkeled to the wreak seeing a great sea turtle and various nice fish…it was much better than I expected it to be. Once back on board they served a Caribbean lunch:  Slaw, Rice & peas, Jerked Chicken, Hot Dogs, and drinks. Not as good as the Lobster yesterday but more filling perhaps.  We then set sail to Nevis for a beach break.  I was considering the half hour tour to Hot Springs and Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace, but ended up taking the short walk to Sunshines.  This is a well known beach bar to Rag sailors, Charters, and Yacht-ees.  I did have their signature drink the ‘Killer Bee’ it was different and very good (hit link for recipe).  Soon our Cat started the one hour return sail to Basseterre with complementary drinks, music and dancing arriving about 3:30 pm.  It was a nice sail, better than previous day IMHO.  I was in the cabin and began process of cleaning sand from shoes, etc. and again decided to take a nap.  Just as yesterday I slept until past 7:00 pm.  The show tonight was a small Opera adaptation of Verdi’s La Traviata with the feature opera soloists and Divina dancers.  I did make it to cocktails and then the Black Crab restaurant.  Dinner service was again very slow in fact I finally was able to bring it to the attention of the Matre’D and he witnessed the first appetizers arriving at 9:22 or 52 minutes after sitting at the table.  That being said it was a very good dinner, I ordered: the Moules Mariniers (mussels), Asian Salad, Rigatoni Meatballs (as starter), the Roast Pork Loin entree, and Schwarzwaelder KirschTorte (Black Forest gateau) & Crêpes Suzette for dessert.  The Rigatoni Meatballs and desserts were excellent.  After dinner I listened to the Torch Singer in the Atrium until retiring to the cabin.  It was a very interesting, tiring, and fun day on the Catamaran excursion.

Tuesday  January 15  /  Road Town,  Tortola,  British Virgin Islands  /  Day 6

Two gangways for guests in Tortola

Again very smooth seas overnight and I slept very well.  I was up early enough to eat in the MDR when it opened at 7:00 am for another great breakfast.  I returned to the cabin and relaxed as I have no excursion today.  There are nice beaches here but this is really a great jumping off point for visiting some of the smaller islands in the BVI…including Jost VanDyke and the famous Soggy Dollar Bar or the famous Baths natural formations.  I’m doing none of those today to relaxation is the plan.  I did get off the ship long enough for my cabin attendant to clean but returned in time for a nice buffet lunch in the Calumet & Manitou restaurants.  A wide variety of choices today too. I then had cabin time, booking some travel, and updating blog.  I did a walk about this afternoon then to the Divina Bar for cocktails.  I had drinks with my French friends who had been on my past two excursions…nice surprise…and Jay my favorite bar server speaks french.  At 7:00 pm I went to the production show: The Witches of Paris in the Pantheon Theater and sat in my seat on row three.  It’s actually about the 7th time I have seen it including it’s predecessor show based on magic.  Very high energy show including the Divina Singers, Dancers, Aerialists, Acrobats, and more.  All leading to a finale of the Can-Can and all acts together on stage. A really good show.  Again a quick stop at the cabin on the way to dinner in the Black Crab MDR. Either the Maitre’D fixed the service problem as requested or my friend in Geneva who reads my blog assisted, but the service issue set right. We had our appetizer 16 minutes after ordering and all of three of my starters within the time we received our first last night (52 minute).  Also the ice, bread, tea, & water were on the table when we sat. Thank you MSC as the situation was effecting the overall cruise experience. Dinner was also very good, I ordered:  Pork Liver Pate ‘Strasbourg’, Porcini Mushroom Ragout (vol-au-vent), Shrimp Fettuccini Alfredo (as starter), and the Costeletas de Porcoa Salsicheiro (Grilled Pork Chop) entree. For dessert I had the Peanut Butter Pie and warm Apple Strudel.  All was very good and the service excellent.  I gained thirty minutes of life as I was out of the MDR by 10:00 pm. Time for cocktail and music.  It is 1980’s night and many guests are dressed for it as well as entertainment team.  Lively bars tonight and as alway unique entertainment each evening in the Black & White lounge.  It was a nice restful day on the MSC Divina.

Wednesday  January 16  /  Pointe−a−Pitre, Guadeloupe  /  Day 7

Carbet Falls - Guadeloupe

Smooth seas continued and another relaxing night. I slept very well until after 8:00 am and then went to MDR before it closed at 9:00 am.  I have gotten into the habit of a good MDR breakfasts.  Sat with two ladies from Switzerland and a couple from Ireland.  After a nice breakfast I visited Guest Services and had some cabin time and relax before an afternoon hike.  I went to the Calumet & Manitou buffet at noon and had a nice selection of various international dishes…it’s like a world tour of food eating on MSC.  My tour, Scenic Drive and walk to Carbet Waterfalls met at 1:15 in the Pantheon Theater. My friends are also on this excursion.  We had a very full bus and were off through Pointe-a-Pitre to the western island of Basse-Terre and the Parc national de la Guadeloupe.  Once we entered the park and began the interesting drive on the narrow winding road up the slopes of the volcano La Soufriere we were in a tropical rainforest.  Once we reached the fall reception area it was a short walk to see the lower falls, but a 30+ minute walk to the main upper falls viewpoint.  Lots of steps up and down but a fairly nice stone pathway all the way.  The view is amazing.  I love waterfalls and have seen many and these are best I have seen on a tropical island (including Hawaii). I  had promised myself after doing the long waterfall hike in El Yunque in San Juan several years ago never again, yet I just did it again.  This is it though!  We returned to the bus for the drive back arriving at the ship just before the 5:30 departure time.  My legs and knees were really sore but I made it to the Production Show at 7:00 pm.  This is Italian night and the show was a cabaret of various popular Italian songs and tunes. It was a great show and the Italian guests really loved it.  The Black Crab MDR was really full for our Italian Night dinner but our table service was once again excellent, I discovered that it was the Restaurant Manager that saved us from our previous bad service problem.  Thank you very much…dining is such an important part of the cruise experience.  I ordered very Italian tonight:  Arancini Sicilian-Style, Lasagna Bolognese, Risotto Mari a Monte, the Chicken Brest Parmigiana entree, and for dessert: Lemon Delight and a Kiwi Sorbet.  Very Good dinner.  I even had a evening cocktail while listening to music in the Atrium.  I hobbled back to the cabin, took Advil-PM, and retired for a much needed rest.  It was a great day on the MSC Divina.

Thursday January 17  /  Philipsburg, St. Maarten   /  Day 8

Finale - Con te partirò

Smooth seas overnight and I slept very well, I’m sure the Advil-PM helped and I feel good considering all the walking yesterday.  I slept past MDR dining time so it was up to the Calumet & Manitou buffet for breakfast about 9:40 am.  I found the fresh omelet station and had a very nice Western omelet with bacon, potatoes and hot milk.  It was very good.  It’s a clear and sunny day and most are off the ship although a lot are staying on board especially for an MSC cruise.  I visited frinds on deck then cabin time to update this blog and rest the legs.  A walk about on outside decks and I have a very nice buffet lunch.  A bit about the lunch buffet: Pizza is always good on MSC with a very large pizza station and ovens at entry so it’s easy to eat on deck or inside.  You can watch prepare the pizzas and toss the dough.  About four or more staff working it at busy times…no waiting for Pizza.  They have a carving station with nice meat selections…large salad area, large fruit station, large bread area, an ethic area, as well as all the international selections.  I met friends on deck 15 outside bar for sail away, the MSC Magnifica was also docked and they did departure horn blasts to each other, it was nice.  So were the Pina Coladas.  Time for the short production show Voices featuring the singers and dances.  It was a good show and they ended it with Con te partirò with the three feature singers and two opera singers…it was brilliant.  I love my cabin location, just below the theater so easy to refresh before dinner.  Dinner and service was very good.  Mediterranean Theme tonight, I ordered:  Beetroot Carpaccio, Iceberg Salad, Seafood Linguine (as pasta starter), Roast Corvina (fish) as an entree.  For dessert a Banoffe Pie (banana) and Pistachio ice creme.  It is the big White party on pool deck tonight and most were wearing white this evening. Guests having a great time. I retired to the cabin for some reading and rest.  It was another great Day on the MSC Divina.

Friday  January 18  /  Sea Day  /  Day 9

Captain at MSC Loyalty Party

Smooth seas continue and I slept very well overnight.  I went to the MDR about 9:00 am for a very nice breakfast and had another interesting table of guests. Service has been great each morning in the MDR.  It has been a very nice cruise…one reason is only 76 children on board this cruise, there were over 700 last cruise. It can become a problem due to the ChildrenSailFree promotions.  Although there are not as many scooters for seniors on MSC there can be too many prams.  Also 500 fewer guests this cruise than last…makes a difference especially in the buffet area.  So I am very lucky on the cruise date selection.  I did some online work this morning then went to the Atrium about noon   where I saw friends and we ended up drinking our complementary bottle of Champagne and visiting for a while. Thanks Adrian a great bar server at Divina Bar for opening the bottle and providing glasses.  Cabin/Nap time followed and BTW (by the way) the TV has not been turned on since day one, kind of nice.  At 6:00 pm I went up to the Black & White Lounge for the Loyalty Club party, they offered Prosecco or Rum punch and some hor’dorves.   Similar to the Black Card party but they had a photographer taking photos with the Captain and I did that since they offer a complementary photo to Black Card guests.  I met friends next door in the premium Restaurant Eataly at 7:00 pm.  Dinner here was good, I ordered:  Alla Carbonara, La Tagliata (beef sirloin), and La Zuppa Inglese Golosi di Salute (English Trifle).  Dinner was very good and a nice presentation with the steak cut into squares and best mashed potatoes of the cruise.  This is a Loyalty Club benefit so meal, wine, and water included, just left a cash tip.  Thanks you MSC.  My body said go to bed since I usually do after late dinner seating, but it was only 9:00 pm eating a bit earlier.  Lots of activities including a tribute to Tina Turner production show, the beautiful lounges on deck seven playing live music, various shops open, and more.  It was a slower but fun day on the MSC Divina...thanks again for dinner MSC.

Saturday  January 19  /  Day at Sea  /  Day 10

Treasure Island and Grand Finale

Again smooth seas overnight and another good nights sleep. I woke about 7:00  am and got on the internet early to check mail and messages before the wifi begins slowing down once everyone logs-in today.  Since I was around early I went to the MDR again for breakfast.  It was very good…I ordered my usual fruit  bowl and eggs to order with a side of bacon, ham, and hash browns.  Then picked up a photo from the photo area...very busy on last day...but my photo was only taken the previous night...then back to cabin to do some Travel Agent work.  Before lunch I walked about the pool decks and they were absolutely packed with people on this last sea day…a lot of speedos in this European crowd too.  I had a couple more hours of cabin time before cocktails about 5:00ish in the Divina Bar then moved to the Garden Bar on deck 14 to watch the sunset.  The production show was Treasure Island and it was very good.  It included the MSC Divina singers, MSC Divina dancers, the Acrobats, the Aerialists (two types), the Strong men, and even some Magic.  A big production show much like a circus with music.  Following the shoe was a farewell finale with entire cast an also MSC Divina crew. And of course the entertainment staff’s traditional farewell message.  A very entertaining evening.  Dinner was good.  I ordered: the Creme of Curried Pumpkin Soup, Pasta and Tomato Basil, and the Cordon Bleu entree, for dessert: Tarte Tatin (confit apple) and Creme de Clafoutis aux Cerises (baked custard w/cherries).  After dinner I returned to the cabin to pack my bag.  It was a very nice final sea day on the MSC Divina.

Sunday  January 20  /  Miami, Florida  /  Debarkation
We arrived very early in Miami and I am doing the self debark program.  It was to begin at 7:00 am but it did not…the U.S.C.G. delayed clearing the ship thus delayed ship debark.  The Border and Customs guys were doing a great job.  The result was some initial backup but once we were cleared it progressed fine.  I was through customs by 8:15 am and purchased the MSC airport shuttle and was on bus by 8:30 a.m .  Very short wait to fill bus and at airport by 9:15 am.   A bit of a wait to check bags, then to go through TSA but maybe an hour total.  I was eating Street Tacos by 10:10 am in Terminal D. at MIA.  Flight to DFW boards at 1:15 pm. and arrived at 3:45 local time.  Flight to Waco @ 5:00 and home at the ranch by 6:45 pm. Long but fairly easy ravel day.

Ship
Maiden Voyage: 2012  I  Gross Tonnage: 139,400 tons
Passenger Capacity: 3959  |  Crew: 1325  I  Length: 333 meters
Max Cruising Speed: 27 knots  I  Avg Speed 23 knots
Installed power: Diesel (40,000kW)  I  Propulsion: Twin propellers
Godmother: Sophia Loren

Cabin
I have cabin 5039 a port side forward interior located on deck 5, not a full guest cabin deck as it the Atrium deck (mid ship) and the MDR-Black Crab Restaurant  located aft.  The cabin is just one deck below theater and one deck above the port gangway.  A great location. It is well decorated and somewhat spacious cabin for an interior.  It has a push button safe, twin/king beds, large mirrowed headboard, two night stands with lights, a small refrigerator, small table, large upholstered chair, seat at dresser/desk, and TV with interactive features.  There is a very large four door wardrobe with a set of drawers a set of shelves and large hanging area with two doors.

Crew
Our MDR waiters were not efficient and very slow in beginning but really turned it around by mid-cruise as they knew we were unhappy. My cabin steward was wonderful. Overall the crew is more friendly than past MSC cruises, there were some exceptions, but it’s a very different environment from most cruise lines. Most cocktail servers provided very good service. 

Dining / Food / Bars / Entertainment
Entertainment is the strong suit of MSC with very elaborate production shows and live music in most all venues. In addition to the production shows they have a ‘fun’ event scheduled every night night at 10:30 pm in the Black & White Lounge (large venue/lounge located deck 7 far aft).  The MDR dinners are good to very good, Buffet food is good to excellent.  The Calumet and Manatou Buffets were great as mentioned, but always very busy as they have no real alternate choices (as a Deli or Burgers joint). The pizza station, taco station, and salad bar were excellent.  Eataly was much improved from my previous visit there. The MSC Divina has some very beautiful lounges and bars with live entertainment, I tried to visit most.

Black Card — I received a dinner in a specialty restaurant, a Chocolate ship, two private Cocktail Parties, Champagne & Chocolate strawberries, a logo gift of a pen, photgraph, and more.   Good program.

Comments - MSC Cruise Line
MSC is very different than the usual American cruise lines and if your looking for the same experience it will be much different.  You may like the differences or you may be unhappy with the differences.  As an experienced cruiser I love different.  If you don’t like change or are not flexible you will probably NOT like sailing a European cruise line. I like MSC and the Divina very much.

MSC Pluses
Beautiful Public Rooms, Top quality MSC Production Shows & Entertainment, Quality and Beautiful Themed Bars, Large Cabins, Hot Milk readily available on buffet and MDR,  Attentive bar servers, Good MDR Breakfasts, Smoothest sailing ever.  They are really working on better customer support.

Highlights of the Cruise
MSC Production Shows
Two Excursions on Catamarans
Bar Servers
Black Card Benefits