New to NCL - Getaway, what should I know?

My wife and I are experienced cruisers. We've been on a half-dozen Disney cruises, are regular Royal cruisers, and my wife has been on a Carnival (she wasn't a fan) cruise. Neither of us have sailed on NCL.

Having done some NCL research, I think the best option for us is the NCL Getaway. It has a lot of features that we think we'll enjoy. It is a new ship with a lot of bells & whistles. It's based out of Miami and that is reasonably close for us in Central Florida.

We have been reading here on things to do, but sometimes it's better just to start a thread and let the experts chime in.

A few pieces of info to start the conversation:

1. My sig is a joke. It refers to people who think that just because a person who has cruised a ton of times, they know everything. Usually this refers to themselves. I've found that I'd trust the advice of a wise person who has only sailed a few times over the fool that has sailed dozens of times. I know people that drive for a living who are horrible drivers. Just because you do something a lot, it doesn't make you smarter.

2. We have no kids. We don't smoke. We don't enjoy gambling.

3. We are up for almost anything else. We're active, fun, and out-going. We like physical activity and we also love to snooze by the pool & be lazy! We do a lot of everything.

4. We're not looking for "this line sucks" or "this line is the best" because we know that whatever cruise we're on, we're going to have a great vacation. Each line has strengths and weaknesses. We'd love to hear your experiences, but without the battle of who is best. We won't go on a cruise if we think we won't enjoy the line. We obviously know enough already that we think we'll have a great time on NCL.

So, specifically with the Getaway in mind, what are the must-do items? What will we love? What will be different than we've experienced on Disney or Royal? Do you have any tips or advice?

We're also going to continue searching the forums, but thanks in advance for whatever you might share here. We appreciate the help.

We are big fans of Getaway and Breakaway for several reason

I enjoy the causal nature of the ship, I can go to virtually anywhere in shorts, it's a vacation I don't like getting dressed

We enjoy the variety of places to eat and the fact that the main dinning rooms taste and savor feel like small resteraunts who your sitting in them. I have the large cruise ship dinning room.

The overall layout is great, all food and entertainment is located on 678, is makes it very convienent

The enetertainmnet is great especially the causal lounges, there is someplace to have a drink and listen to live music nearly all night.

We love the VIbe it's a quiet oasis away from the craziness of the pool area and it makes me feel like I'm on smaller ship

Must do the ropes course and walk the plank, IMO.

Flipper32:

Is the Vibe like an adults-only place? Is it a pool area?

I like the food all being close. It's kind of rough on a ship where the food is scattered. If you don't have a set place, it stinks to have to move all over the ship to find somewhere else. Of course, most ships have traditional dining. I'm excited to try the NCL Freestyle dining. Sounds like our type of thing.

So, the nightlife exists?? I'm afraid that unless we brought the party with us, on both Disney & Royal, the club life was dead. That's exciting.

DDD06:

That looks really cool. Nice tip.

I am also very interested of hearing comments from you regular NCL cruisers. We have previously only sailed with Royal and Celebrity. Now we are sailing with Getaway on next December. I as well know we are going to have great time, but I would specially love to hear your comments and tips about activities, dining, beverage package compared to Royals. Has anyone tried any fitness classes, fight klub?

I am also very interested of hearing comments from you regular NCL cruisers. We have previously only sailed with Royal and Celebrity. Now we are sailing with Getaway on next December. I as well know we are going to have great time, but I would specially love to hear your comments and tips about activities, dining, beverage package compared to Royals. Has anyone tried any fitness classes, fight klub?

NCL > all the cruises in the universe

No not really.

I have always enjoyed the activities they have onboard such as 80s night dance party, Glow dance party (known as White Hot Party on other NCL ships), Dancing with the Getaway Stars (with the staff), and the dance classes they would offer. I also enjoy the ropes course despite having a fear of heights. The water slides are also awesome (especially the free fall ones). Don't know if the following makes a difference but I always attend those events or do activities alone as my parents aren't into that stuff.

For dining, I do enjoy the buffet as it allows me to relax and get food at my own pace. The recipes are recycled (one day, you might have soy glazed chicken and then soy glazed pork) but I still like it. I enjoy the themed nights such as seafood night in which I can go crazy on shrimp.

I have never tried the fitness classes. Perhaps this is just me but I really wish the Getaway (and Breakaway and Epic) would open up the TRX ropes room to all as they do make for good workouts. Instead, they would offer a class on how to use TRX to workout but then either lock the door or remove the ropes.

I'm also somewhat new to NCL, haven't sailed in years.

I have some specific questions:

Can you bring water/soda onboard like Carnival? If so, are there limits per person?

I heard about a "carry on check in area onboard". Is this what I think this is? They will hold all your carry ons until your room is ready?

At the 45 day mark, besides dining can I reserve shows as well?

Any additional info for a new to NCL cruiser would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm also somewhat new to NCL, haven't sailed in years.

 

I have some specific questions:

 

Can you bring water/soda onboard like Carnival? If so, are there limits per person?

 

I heard about a "carry on check in area onboard". Is this what I think this is? They will hold all your carry ons until your room is ready?

 

Thanks!

Would love some info on this?

would love some info on this?

me too!!

This thread didn't get a lot of responses when I made it. Hope you guys get more info.

I am a regular NCL cruiser I will be heading back on the Getaway for the third time in a few weeks. To answer some of the questions posted on this thread. First your bring soda and water on board like on other lines I usally tape a baggage tag to the case and check it with the rest of my luggage so it will be delivered with the rest of my luggage. Next the Spice H20 is labeled as an adult area they do allow families in during the day but it is rare to see little kids there as there is no pool, just a few hot tubs and a wadding pool. They do have a location to check your luggage in until your room is ready it is usally at Bliss on deck 7 aft in the Casino next to the noodle bar.

When it comes to dinning Taste and Savor are great places to eat and are part of the free dinning. The show Legally Blonde you should be able to reserve it between 45 and 30 days from sailing and it is highly I courted to reserve the seating goes fast. I hope this info helps y'all out enjoy your time onboard.

Thanks!

We usually bring bottled water and soda on board. The only port I've heard of where its a problem is New Orleans (it's a rumor, but I've heard the teamsters won't accept it, so you have to put it in a duffel or something).

I don't know if there's a limit or not; we brought two 12 packs of diet soda and 48 bottles of water in Los Angeles (we don't consume that much of either, but it was a family gathering and we were the "mules"!)

We now use a foldable nylon "suitcase" ... not much more than a shopping bag with a zipper and handles ... and put the water in it. We got concerned when our warehouse store started minimizing the packaging of the water so much that you can hardly carry it.

Like the OP, we are kid-less these days and don't gamble or smoke. We did find the night life on NCL better than the Disney or Princess cruises we have been on. Our first NCL cruise was actually during Spring Break out of Miami and there was definitely a lot of night life that week! But most of the time it isn't a real party atmosphere until late in the evening at Spice or H2O. We like the entertainment on NCL better than Princess (DCL has great performers but after a couple of "Disney Dreams" shows I'm tired of Disney!)

Usally for NCL it is one case per person. So each person in you party can bring a case of soda but the porters really won't say anything as long as you tip them good.

We had a fantastic time on the Getaway, our first "big" ship.

We liked Spice H2O, the free adults only sundeck area.

We loved the variety of entertainment on this ship.

The Waterfront was a highlight. We often sat outside at night and enjoyed a drink. We also ate dinner on the Waterfront at LaCucina.

We had an excellent dinner at LeBistro.

We enjoyed the band Tropical Four in the Atrium. Especially their Bob Marley set. Grab some wings and a beer at O'Sheehans and listen to the band a deck below.

Definitely reserve your shows ahead of time. We tried to get into the 9 pm Comedy Show at Headliners a couple of times without a reservation but couldn't get in. I think you could get into the Grammy experience without a reservation.

Enjoy!

I'm bringing my own 2 year old thread back from the dead! RISE ZOMBIE THREAD!

We decided against trying NCL back in 2015. We just couldn't find a cruise that met what we wanted. Then we decided to skip the Getaway and try the Escape. It never quite happened.

NOW things have changed. We've been invited to join a small family gathering on Getaway early next year. We have decided to join in on the fun. We normally cruise alone, but this should be manageable as it is only 12 people.

I'm watching a lot of YouTube videos and reading these forums for Getaway threads. I've made notes on the comments above, but if anyone would like to add a MUST DO, please feel free.

If you get a spa mini suite or spa balcony room are there any perks other than access to the Thermal spa? Do you get discounted treatments or priority?

Do mini-suites get double points for the Latitudes program?

Sugarcanes Mojito bar was our favorite. We loved the waterfront, even on our stormy final sea day. Million Dollar Quartet and Burn the Floor were both great, and we were very sorry we waited until the last night to catch Howl at the Moon, it was a blast and had we been earlier we would have made several more visits.

Do mini-suites get double points for the Latitudes program?

No, full suites only. Mini suites are really just deluxe balconies. They have a bigger bathroom.

Do the solo rooms on the Getaway have hairdryers??

16 nights on the Getaway this year -

Loved this ship so much!

For us - Getaway V Celebrity Solstice Class - Getaway wins hands down - On all counts!

Spa - If you like a place to go chill later afternoon (or early morning hangover cure) the Getaway Spa - like the Epic's - is awesome! Worth every cent and will be available to book for you at 100 days in for suites or 90 days in for regular cabins.

Million Dollar Quartet - we don't do shows. Period. Wouldn't have missed Million Dollar Quartet for the world. We stood all the way through the 1.5 hours of pure magic - It is superb and for sure - get it booked. If you want a seat go half an hour prior to doors opening.

Party Vibe - is always going on - aside from the organised events every night such as Glow Party/ Norwegian night out etc - There is always a vibe going on at every corner you turn. So many choices.

Sometimes we would just go hang out late at night at the outdoor sunset bar on the waterfront - always good for laughs.

Fat Cats and the other club (is it headliners on Getaway I forget?) - again - never a dull moment. Oh and if you can - catch the cast from Million Dollar Quartet having a jam session - so good!!

O'SHeehans - 24 hours. By day view a movie or activity from a ringside seat at O'Sheehans - By night - casual dining or 3am Fireball shots - its all happening in the wee sma' hours ;p

Bliss - Nightclubs never seem to hit the spot on cruise ships and yet we found Bliss on Getaway lively and great DJ.

Food - relax - don't stress over times. If you are not dining in speciality (although dining packages are in our book a don't miss and great value!). The free MDRs are Manhattan (dressier) - or Taste or Savor. Between Taste and Savor is MIXX bar. If you want that highly sought table for two by the window - its as simple as saying to the hostess you are happy to wait for it. She will give you a bleeper - then go sit at MIXX - relax and they will bleep you when your table is ready. Easy!

Speciality Dining is so worth it. Oddly enough La Cucina on other ships has been our least favourite whereas on Getaway it was our favourite. There are window seats looking out over the waterfront or as we preferred - tables almost in the walkway opposite Fatcats and the sunset bar, which are great for people watching. We loved those tables - loud music - buzz - but that's us - we live in a really rural environment so for us "street vibe" is a huge attraction. The OssuBucco - hmnom!!

Sugarcane Mojito Bar - we felt there was a lack of stools there. I did love the Jalapeno Mojitos though - so would grab one then set off around sunset bar or the bar of La Cucina (upcharge for Jalapeno but so worth it!).

Spice H20 is not as big as it is on Epic - but again - super adult space by day / family/adult by night.

Le Bistro - the Dover Sole is worth dining there a few times for - love it!

Our next three cruises are booked on Epic - we absolutely loved Epic - but Getaway for us was even better!!

We didn't have a hot weather cruise (maybe 4 out of 16 were sunny days) so a lot of our cruise was focused indoors. I can imagine however how fabulous it must be to enjoy the upper decks of Getaway in the glory of sunshine. Its a sign of a good ship however when you don't care about the weather and just enjoy what the ship has to offer.

My only criticism lies in the cabin. We had a spa balcony. For us - the storage was, I thought, awful. Luckily we had brought some packing cubes but even they drove me nuts. There is NO vanity drawer. I had to pile everything in the vanity seat (its a box with a lid) and twice a day, pull out my hair products and make up. There is a real lack of drawer space throughout the cabin. Bathroom was pretty. And for DH he was happy with his "man space". For me - nope - probably one of the worst cabin designs we have come across.

The balcony is tight. We don't spend any time in our cabins so wasn't an issue for us - but for those who like to spend time out on their balcony - its a tight space.

There is a salon style hairdryer so bonus points for that :)

Fantastic ship - what's not to love!

EDIT - just realised someone resurrected this post from 2015 - ah well - I'm sure the info is useful for someone reading lol!

I'm bringing my own 2 year old thread back from the dead! RISE ZOMBIE THREAD!

 

 

We decided against trying NCL back in 2015. We just couldn't find a cruise that met what we wanted. Then we decided to skip the Getaway and try the Escape. It never quite happened.

 

NOW things have changed. We've been invited to join a small family gathering on Getaway early next year. We have decided to join in on the fun. We normally cruise alone, but this should be manageable as it is only 12 people.

 

I'm watching a lot of YouTube videos and reading these forums for Getaway threads. I've made notes on the comments above, but if anyone would like to add a MUST DO, please feel free.

 

If you get a spa mini suite or spa balcony room are there any perks other than access to the Thermal spa? Do you get discounted treatments or priority?

Ah ha - the OP is the resurrection culprit :')

Spa cabin = so worth it. Sod any perks - the perk itself is that prized access to the thermal suites.

Have you been in the Persian gardens on Solstice class?

If so - forget them - they cannot touch the ambience or facilities offered on NCL's thermal suites. Getaway's space is awesome! The pool is fantastic - the steam rooms, salt room, saunas etc - its a vast space of R&R -

I think the only + perks if I remember rightly was the Bvlgari products in the cabin - and when you run out they are replenished.

Don't forget to see... Million Dollar Quarter. Fantastic show.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Don't forget to see... Million Dollar Quarter. Fantastic show.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Got it. Thanks!

Ah ha - the OP is the resurrection culprit :')

Spa cabin = so worth it. Sod any perks - the perk itself is that prized access to the thermal suites.

Have you been in the Persian gardens on Solstice class?

If so - forget them - they cannot touch the ambience or facilities offered on NCL's thermal suites. Getaway's space is awesome! The pool is fantastic - the steam rooms, salt room, saunas etc - its a vast space of R&R -

I think the only + perks if I remember rightly was the Bvlgari products in the cabin - and when you run out they are replenished.

We booked this last night. Wound up going with an inside cabin for $1900. The prices on this cruise were getting way out of hand. It was going to cost about $4k for 2 people in a spa mini-suite. I'm going to use your tip and just attempt to buy 2 thermal passes at 90 days out.

I can't see the upgraded bathroom/bvlgari products being worth $2100. That micro-balcony certainly wouldn't be anything to brag about. We do balconies when it makes sense financially, but this I couldn't justify in any way.

We've never stepped foot on a Celebrity ship, so the Solstice Persian gardens answer is no. We have been in the thermal spa on Disney's Dream and Fantasy. They were smaller than Getaway's appears to be, but they were really nice and relaxing. Very nice and worth every penny.