Holiday Feasts Norwegian Style
Norwegian Breakaway- November 2018
We are true foodies and love trying new things while on a cruise ship as well as enjoying our favorites. The Norwegian Breakaway offered a variety of dining options including numerous specialty restaurants. This made for an amazing dining experience throughout the cruise. In addition, the Breakaway offered Freestyle Dining in the Main Dining Room which allowed us to choose our dining time.
I am going to highlight all of the Lido/ Complementary deck offerings, the Main Dining Rooms and the 3 Specialty Dining venues we experienced. Even on a 7 night sailing, it would be hard to experience them all.
Chris and I cruise frequently and enjoy "rating" each menu item from 1-5 with 2.5 being what you would expect from a restaurant on land. We consider a 4.0 to be about standard for most cruise food! I realize that food is VERY subjective but we enjoy reviewing these menu items to help us remember what we do like for future voyages.
RATING SYSTEM
1- awful and would be fast-food level quality (McDonald's or Taco Bell)
2- decent on land offering
2.5- par for land meals (Chili's and Red Lobster)
3- Upscale land restaurant quality
4.0- standard for cruise industry food
5.0- One of the best foods (of the corresponding category) we have ever had
Carlos Bakery Menu
The menus for the bakery and the gelato stations.
The bakery itself in the Atrium.
We did indulge on the last night and the mini cupcakes were fantastic!
Atrium Bar Menu
This is the basic mixed drinks for most bars on board!
Margaritaville Menu
Garden Cafe (Lido Buffet)- Deck 15 Aft
This buffet was very large and offered a variety of food items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We particularly like the breakfast set-up which allowed for multiple styles of breakfast foods at each section. Furthermore, the Garden Cafe had 4 different omelet stations which is very helpful on a ship of 5K passengers. We did not eat at the buffet for dinner at all but late night snacks were decent and we enjoyed them.
We LOVE the made to order omelet stations!
This is my perfect breakfast!
O'Sheehan's Grill and Pub- Deck 8 Forward
This venue is complementary and open 24/7. This is a HUGE help when coming back to the ship after being in port or for late night snacks. The service was not near as good as it was for us on the NCL Pearl in March but the food was very good.
The traditional O'Sheehan's Grill Menu
(We noticed it was a little different on embarkation day)
Nachos- 4.0
WINGS- 4.5+
Reuben Sandwich- 3.5
Smore Cheesecake- 2.5
Prime Rib Special- 3.5
Shanghai Noodle Bar- Deck 7 Mid-Ship
(Between the Casino and the MDR)
This quickly became our FAVORITE free restaurant on the ship. Unfortunately, it only seats 42 guests at one time AND is only open on Sea Days from 12-2. This pretty much means only 150 or less passengers can eat there on any given day. However, they also offer nightly dining times from 5:30-7PM. This was not an option for us since we had the Dining Package. The food is prepared after you order and is incredibly tasty. My only complaint was the hours and lack of seating. I think for a "Mega Ship" this venue should house 100+ at bare minimum. TIP- GET IN LINE EARLY. Even arriving at 11:30AM on the 2nd Sea Day, we had to wait until the first wave of 42 guests finished before we were seated around 1PM.
Shanghai Menu
Vegetable Rolls- 5.0
My kids ate 3-4 at a sitting! They LOVED them!
Potstickers- 5.0
Again, we all LOVED them!
TIP- They come 3 to an order!
Singapore Noodles- 4.5
This was a HUGE hit with us!
Peking Style Shrimp and Chicken- 3.5
It was lacking the shrimp but LOTS of chicken!
Chocolate cake- 2.0
All of the food is made FRESH after you order and the chefs work really hard to get it out!
Taste and Savor Main Dining Room
These 2 dining rooms serve the exact same menu each night and are considered resort casual at all times. Passengers may even wear shorts to the dining room as it is all FreeStyle dining. These dining rooms are on Deck 6 aft and do not have set dining times. TIP- We noticed crowds at the beginning of the voyage and very small crowds at the end. Also, Taste, for whatever reason, always had a shorter line than Sabor.
NIGHT 1
Cream of Califlower Soup-
3 Cheese Ziti- 3.0
Natalie didn't like it as much as she had hoped to.
New York Strip Steak- 4.0
(Offered NIGHTLY)
Crab and Cream Cheese Wontons- 4.0
Shrimp and Crab Cake- 3.5
It lacked a little flavor in my opinion.
Greek Salad- 2.5
It needed more dressing!
Bruscheeta- 4.5
Kids Cheese Pizza- 4.0
The kids ate these almost every night, even if they ordered something else!
Shrimp and Mushroom Alfredo- 3.5
This was a great main dish but I was so full from our massive amount of appetizers, I was not able to really enjoy it! TIP- Your eyes are ALWAYS bigger than your stomach on the first night!
Night 1 Dessert Menu
Chocolate Lava Cake- 3.5
Natalie and Chris liked this very much!
(Not as good as Carnival though)
Strawberry Shortcake- 4.0
Honey Creme' Brulee- 3.0
NIGHT 2
(We were dining at Teppanyaki so I do not have food pictures... sorry)
Savor Night #2 menu
Night 4
Night #4 MDR Menu
Corn and Crab Chowder- 4.5
Shanghai Potstickers- 4.0
Double Mozzarella Ravioli- 4.0
This became Natalie's signature dish. She ordered it EVERY NIGHT!
Skillet Corn Bread- 3.5
Cheesy Mashed Potato Croquettes- 2.5
These were just weird.
Bruschetta- 4.0
French Onion Soup- 4.0
Chicken Cordon Bleu- 4.5
Night #4 DESSERT Menu
Carrot Cake- 3.5
Chocolate Espresso Cake-
The Manhattan Room
This is considered the FORMAL dining room for the Breakaway. It is housed on Deck 7 aft and while still following the FreeStyle motto, it does have a dress code. Guests are not allowed to wear shorts or jeans after 5PM. We only ate here on Thanksgiving night. The service was not very good, but we think that is because it was a holiday. I am sure, had we gone back, the service would have been just as good as the other two MDRs.
The special Thanksgiving Menu
(All 3 Main Dining Rooms offered this special menu)
Loaded Corn on the Cob- 4.0
This was good but not a "Thanksgiving Dish" to me but more of a Southern BBQ dish!
Porcini Mushroom and Ham Tart- 4.5
French Onion Soup- 4.0
Penne in Pumpkin Creme Sauce- 4.5
This was surprisingly good as it sounded gross as we read it off the menu but I am glad Natalie and I shared this dish. I kinda wish we would have ordered a second one. It was THAT good.
Lasagne Al Forno- 2.5
This was nothing to write home about.
Roasted Holiday Turkey- 4.5
This was a perfect Thanksgiving dinner!
Sirloin Roast Beef Au Jus- 4.0
"Green Bean Casserole"- 2.5
HAHA! This was NOT what we were expecting! No casserole... just green beans!
But Luke ate the WHOLE PLATE!
Thanksgiving Dessert Menu
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding- 2.5
Chocolate Lava Cake- 3.0
Natalie LOVED it!
Pecan Pie- 3.5
The cake at the entrance to the Manhattan Room. It had not been cut as we left but I heard from other passengers later in the night, it was cut and passed out in the Manhattan Room.
Teppanyaki
This SPECIALTY DINING venue is located Deck 6 midship. This is an incredible dining experience and I highly recommend it for all cruise fans, especially those traveling with kids. It is included in the Ultimate Dining Package or has a $35 flat fee. The food and service were phenomenal and my kids LOVED it.
The Teppanyaki Menu
Seaweed Salad- 3.5
Miso Soup- 3.5
Fried Rice- 3.5
I swear this is ALWAYS the best part!
Asuku Steak and Seafood Combo- 5.0+
Cagney's Steakhouse
This upscale steak house is located on Deck 8 aft above The Manhattan Room. This was an outstanding dining experience for us and I also recommend this to cruise passengers. This is an a la carte dining venue but is included in the Ultimate Dining Package. The Breakaway offers a unique dining experience if passengers choose to dine on The Waterfront, which is on Deck 8 outside promenade area. We chose to dining traditionally inside but in hindsight I wish we would have dined outside. The food and service were incredible, especially the high tech wine selections via an iPad.
The Cagney's Dinner and Dessert menus
Interactive iPad menu option for pairing wine!
WOW... This was very impressive!
Oysters Rockafeller- 4.5
Lump Crab Cake- 5.0
This was EASILY the best crab cake we have EVER HAD!
Caesar Salad- 3.5
Jack Daniels Shrimp Cocktail- 4.5
That Jack Daniels sauce is the key to this dish.
Lobster Bisque- 4.5
This was velvety and so smooth.
The Iceberg Wedge- 4.5
The blue cheese dressing was not really my thing but the salad was still very good.
The Surf and Turf- 5.0
This was OUTSTANDING!
Famous Cagney's Truffle Fries- 4.5
These were was good as advertised!
Decedent Chocolate Fudge Brownie- 4.5
Raspberry Creme Brulee- 4.5
Paired with a cappuccino, this was phenomenal.
Le Bistro
This dining experience once again was the best we have had on a cruise. It is located on Deck 6 midship. The French cuisine is phenomenal and the ambiance of the dining venue sets this experience through the roof. This is an a la carte menu but is included in the Ultimate Dining Package. The filet is easily the best steak I have ever eaten and the soups are to die for. I highly recommend it.
The Le Bistro Menu
Seafood Puff Pastry- 4.5
Cream of Four Mushroom Soup- 5.0
I love the presentation of this dish and the flavor is to die for!
Five Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin- 5.0
Once again, this was the BEST steak I have ever had!
LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THIS FILET!
Le Bistro Dessert Menu
Vanilla Creme Brulee- 4.0
French Puff Pastry- 5.0
Thanks for following along!
Until we meet again... Keep calm and CRUISE ON!
God is good... All the time!
Carnival Legend- ALASKA- 2016
Carlos Bakery Menu
The bakery itself in the Atrium.
We did indulge on the last night and the mini cupcakes were fantastic!
Atrium Bar Menu
This is the basic mixed drinks for most bars on board!
Margaritaville Menu
La Cucina Menu
Ocean Blue TO GO Menu
Garden Cafe (Lido Buffet)- Deck 15 Aft
This buffet was very large and offered a variety of food items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We particularly like the breakfast set-up which allowed for multiple styles of breakfast foods at each section. Furthermore, the Garden Cafe had 4 different omelet stations which is very helpful on a ship of 5K passengers. We did not eat at the buffet for dinner at all but late night snacks were decent and we enjoyed them.
O'Sheehan's Grill and Pub- Deck 8 Forward
This venue is complementary and open 24/7. This is a HUGE help when coming back to the ship after being in port or for late night snacks. The service was not near as good as it was for us on the NCL Pearl in March but the food was very good.
(We noticed it was a little different on embarkation day)
WINGS- 4.5+
Reuben Sandwich- 3.5
Smore Cheesecake- 2.5
Prime Rib Special- 3.5
Shanghai Noodle Bar- Deck 7 Mid-Ship
(Between the Casino and the MDR)
This quickly became our FAVORITE free restaurant on the ship. Unfortunately, it only seats 42 guests at one time AND is only open on Sea Days from 12-2. This pretty much means only 150 or less passengers can eat there on any given day. However, they also offer nightly dining times from 5:30-7PM. This was not an option for us since we had the Dining Package. The food is prepared after you order and is incredibly tasty. My only complaint was the hours and lack of seating. I think for a "Mega Ship" this venue should house 100+ at bare minimum. TIP- GET IN LINE EARLY. Even arriving at 11:30AM on the 2nd Sea Day, we had to wait until the first wave of 42 guests finished before we were seated around 1PM.
Vegetable Rolls- 5.0
My kids ate 3-4 at a sitting! They LOVED them!
Potstickers- 5.0
Again, we all LOVED them!
TIP- They come 3 to an order!
Singapore Noodles- 4.5
This was a HUGE hit with us!
Peking Style Shrimp and Chicken- 3.5
It was lacking the shrimp but LOTS of chicken!
Chocolate cake- 2.0
All of the food is made FRESH after you order and the chefs work really hard to get it out!
Taste and Savor Main Dining Room
These 2 dining rooms serve the exact same menu each night and are considered resort casual at all times. Passengers may even wear shorts to the dining room as it is all FreeStyle dining. These dining rooms are on Deck 6 aft and do not have set dining times. TIP- We noticed crowds at the beginning of the voyage and very small crowds at the end. Also, Taste, for whatever reason, always had a shorter line than Sabor.
NIGHT 1
Night #1 MDR Menu
(Remember, they are all the same in all 3 dining rooms) 
Natalie didn't like it as much as she had hoped to.
(Offered NIGHTLY)
It lacked a little flavor in my opinion.
It needed more dressing!
The kids ate these almost every night, even if they ordered something else!
This was a great main dish but I was so full from our massive amount of appetizers, I was not able to really enjoy it! TIP- Your eyes are ALWAYS bigger than your stomach on the first night!
Natalie and Chris liked this very much!
(Not as good as Carnival though)
NIGHT 2
(We were dining at Teppanyaki so I do not have food pictures... sorry)
Night 4
This became Natalie's signature dish. She ordered it EVERY NIGHT!
These were just weird.
Mediterranean Sirloin Beef Brochette- 3.5
The meat seemed to be overcooked and was chewy at best. 
Warm Bread Pudding- 4.0
The flavor and texture were amazing. 
The Manhattan Room
This is considered the FORMAL dining room for the Breakaway. It is housed on Deck 7 aft and while still following the FreeStyle motto, it does have a dress code. Guests are not allowed to wear shorts or jeans after 5PM. We only ate here on Thanksgiving night. The service was not very good, but we think that is because it was a holiday. I am sure, had we gone back, the service would have been just as good as the other two MDRs.
(All 3 Main Dining Rooms offered this special menu)
This was good but not a "Thanksgiving Dish" to me but more of a Southern BBQ dish!
This was surprisingly good as it sounded gross as we read it off the menu but I am glad Natalie and I shared this dish. I kinda wish we would have ordered a second one. It was THAT good.
This was nothing to write home about.
This was a perfect Thanksgiving dinner!
HAHA! This was NOT what we were expecting! No casserole... just green beans!
But Luke ate the WHOLE PLATE!
Natalie LOVED it!
Teppanyaki
This SPECIALTY DINING venue is located Deck 6 midship. This is an incredible dining experience and I highly recommend it for all cruise fans, especially those traveling with kids. It is included in the Ultimate Dining Package or has a $35 flat fee. The food and service were phenomenal and my kids LOVED it.
I swear this is ALWAYS the best part!
Cagney's Steakhouse
This upscale steak house is located on Deck 8 aft above The Manhattan Room. This was an outstanding dining experience for us and I also recommend this to cruise passengers. This is an a la carte dining venue but is included in the Ultimate Dining Package. The Breakaway offers a unique dining experience if passengers choose to dine on The Waterfront, which is on Deck 8 outside promenade area. We chose to dining traditionally inside but in hindsight I wish we would have dined outside. The food and service were incredible, especially the high tech wine selections via an iPad.
Interactive iPad menu option for pairing wine!
WOW... This was very impressive!
This was EASILY the best crab cake we have EVER HAD!
That Jack Daniels sauce is the key to this dish.
This was velvety and so smooth.
The blue cheese dressing was not really my thing but the salad was still very good.
This was OUTSTANDING!
These were was good as advertised!
Paired with a cappuccino, this was phenomenal.
This dining experience once again was the best we have had on a cruise. It is located on Deck 6 midship. The French cuisine is phenomenal and the ambiance of the dining venue sets this experience through the roof. This is an a la carte menu but is included in the Ultimate Dining Package. The filet is easily the best steak I have ever eaten and the soups are to die for. I highly recommend it.
Fruit Salad- 3.5
This was an odd choice for Chris but he liked it!
This was an odd choice for Chris but he liked it!
I love the presentation of this dish and the flavor is to die for!
Once again, this was the BEST steak I have ever had!
We like to choose our favorites from the trip!
Kellie
Kellie
Favorite Appetizer- Mushroom Soup at Le Bistro
Favorite Entree- Filet at Le Bistro
Favorite Dessert- Raspberry Creme Brulee at Cagney's
Biggest Surprise- Pumpkin Penne in the MDR
(Thanksgiving Menu)
(Thanksgiving Menu)
Biggest Disappointment- Green Bean "Casserole"
We love cruising and EATING on cruises. We use this blog as means for us to know what to order on future cruises and it is fun to look through and get our mouth watering while we are dieting!
Thanks for following along!
Until we meet again... Keep calm and CRUISE ON!
God is good... All the time!
Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Carnival Legend- ALASKA- 2016
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