If you’re planning a cruise that makes everyone from grandma to the toddler happy—and you don’t mind getting spoiled rotten in the process—look no further than Norwegian’s Breakaway sailing out of New Orleans.
We’ve done this cruise twice now, which I think makes me a semi-professional Breakaway-er. (Norwegian, I’m ready for my hat and lifetime beverage package.)
Let me break it down for you: This ship? It’s got the vibes.
The Haven: Fancy People Things for Regular People Like Me
We stayed in The Haven, which is Norwegian’s exclusive, VIP, “excuse me while I live my best life” part of the ship. Think private lounge, dedicated concierge, secret pool, and a restaurant where they know your name and somehow bring your favorite drink before you even order it. Witchcraft? Possibly. Excellence? Absolutely.
Once you go Haven, you start casually dropping phrases like, “Is this shrimp sustainably sourced?” even if your normal splurge is extra guac at Chipotle.
The Entertainment: Jazz Hands and Happy Tears
Let’s talk entertainment. There was a dinner show that made me feel like I had time-traveled to a jazz club in the 1940s—with incredible vocals, swanky dancing, and no cover charge. (It’s included! No specialty dining required. Norwegian, you spoil me.)
I may or may not have gotten emotional mid-bread roll. No shame. Art does that to people.
And the other shows? Funny. Fast-paced. Family-friendly without being cheesy.
Family Cruise MVP: Splash Academy
My kids? Lived at Splash Academy. The crew there treated our kids like royalty and gave them just enough fun to not miss us... which gave us just enough freedom to enjoy adult beverages on a sunny deck. (The Free at Sea beverage package is elite-level genius. Whoever thought that up deserves a cruise named after them.)
10/10 would recommend cruising with kids if someone else entertains them for you.
Plant-Based, But Make It Delicious
We’re a plant-based family, but we do go pescatarian when cruising because... sushi happens. Norwegian handled this like pros. Whether it was a custom pasta dish, a vegan stir-fry, or a buffet build-your-own grain bowl, we never went hungry. And we only had to say “no cheese, please” like, twice times before the staff remembered. Impressive!
Side note: If you think you can’t eat plant-based on a cruise, try again. NCL’s got your back (and your gut).
New Orleans: Great Port, Slightly Confused Relationship
Let’s talk port: New Orleans is an easy city to cruise out of—laid-back, compact, and you can get goodies before boarding. Personally, I’ve always had a slightly awkward relationship with the city—kind of like that cousin you admire from a distance but don’t want to road trip with. Still, the music, the food, and the history? Absolutely worth a stop before or after your cruise.
Final Verdict: Would Sail Again (Tomorrow, Please)
The Breakaway is now my family’s gold standard for cruising. Between The Haven, the family-friendly fun, and the thoughtful touches (did I mention the dinner show again?), this ship hits all the right notes.
So, to recap:
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Luxury vibes? ✅
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Kid freedom? ✅
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Food that fits your lifestyle? ✅
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Entertainment that doesn't make you cringe? ✅
Dear Norwegian Cruise Line: You’ve got a fan for life here. And if you’re ever looking for a family who’s ready to test your new ships, review dinner shows, or just generally vibe at sea—we’ll pack in five minutes.