Getaway 9/18 - 9/25

It may take a while to completely review our vacation, but it will get finished. I'm currently on the Getaway and having a wonderful time. I booked this trip over a year ago to celebrate my partners 40th, which was in August. We work hard and have a ton of bills and needed time to save. We decided on a balcony room on the 14th deck. After a few calls days before our trip, we decided to upgrade to a "guaranteed mini suite". They assigned us cabin 8116 with a large balcony (one of a few with such a spacious deck). This assigned room really had us excited. We also got the UBP added on. This all came to a total of $220, which was worth every penny. I don't drink, but it seriously took away a ton of worries and stress on what was getting charged to the room and what we can and can't drink.

Our plane left first thing Saturday from Philadelphia with a stay at the Hotel of South Beach. What a start!!! We were right on ocean drive and went right to the beach to see that pristine water. It was heavenly and hot as hell outside. I highly recommend the hotel for an overnight. Daniel gave us an oceanfront room, which was great for people watching in the evening. The town is great if you like to bar hop. It was slightly difficult as a recovering alcoholic, but no worries. As soon as night falls, the town definitely woke up. We had a superb Mexican dinner and relaxed the rest of the evening. One last thing on our pre-trip: we decided to take the public bus for $2.50 over a taxi. We had no idea what we were getting into, but it was a great decision. The bus was simple and went directly to our hotel.

It may take a while to completely review our vacation, but it will get finished. I'm currently on the Getaway and having a wonderful time. I booked this trip over a year ago to celebrate my partners 40th, which was in August. We work hard and have a ton of bills and needed time to save. We decided on a balcony room on the 14th deck. After a few calls days before our trip, we decided to upgrade to a "guaranteed mini suite". They assigned us cabin 8116 with a large balcony (one of a few with such a spacious deck). This assigned room really had us excited. We also got the UBP added on. This all came to a total of $220, which was worth every penny. I don't drink, but it seriously took away a ton of worries and stress on what was getting charged to the room and what we can and can't drink.

 

Our plane left first thing Saturday from Philadelphia with a stay at the Hotel of South Beach. What a start!!! We were right on ocean drive and went right to the beach to see that pristine water. It was heavenly and hot as hell outside. I highly recommend the hotel for an overnight. Daniel gave us an oceanfront room, which was great for people watching in the evening. The town is great if you like to bar hop. It was slightly difficult as a recovering alcoholic, but no worries. As soon as night falls, the town definitely woke up. We had a superb Mexican dinner and relaxed the rest of the evening. One last thing on our pre-trip: we decided to take the public bus for $2.50 over a taxi. We had no idea what we were getting into, but it was a great decision. The bus was simple and went directly to our hotel.

We were offered a mini suite from a balcony a few weeks ago, for $80 per person. Turned it down. Is the mini suite much bigger than the mid ship balcony cabins?

From what I have read and looked at, the minisuites only difference is that they have a littie bit bigger of a bathroom. otherwise the room layout is the same. There are some of them on deck 8 that have a larger deck, but with that is the fact that everyone can look down on you. No privacy on big decks.

Im curious to find out some of your favourite Nonalcoholic drinks on board, as I too am getting the UBP on the Getaway (end of January), but not wanting alcohol.

It may take a while to completely review our vacation, but it will get finished. I'm currently on the Getaway and having a wonderful time. I booked this trip over a year ago to celebrate my partners 40th, which was in August. We work hard and have a ton of bills and needed time to save. We decided on a balcony room on the 14th deck. After a few calls days before our trip, we decided to upgrade to a "guaranteed mini suite". They assigned us cabin 8116 with a large balcony (one of a few with such a spacious deck). This assigned room really had us excited. We also got the UBP added on. This all came to a total of $220, which was worth every penny. I don't drink, but it seriously took away a ton of worries and stress on what was getting charged to the room and what we can and can't drink.

 

Our plane left first thing Saturday from Philadelphia with a stay at the Hotel of South Beach. What a start!!! We were right on ocean drive and went right to the beach to see that pristine water. It was heavenly and hot as hell outside. I highly recommend the hotel for an overnight. Daniel gave us an oceanfront room, which was great for people watching in the evening. The town is great if you like to bar hop. It was slightly difficult as a recovering alcoholic, but no worries. As soon as night falls, the town definitely woke up. We had a superb Mexican dinner and relaxed the rest of the evening. One last thing on our pre-trip: we decided to take the public bus for $2.50 over a taxi. We had no idea what we were getting into, but it was a great decision. The bus was simple and went directly to our hotel.

Nice to know you had a pleasant pre-cruise experience.

Looking forward to your review.

Thanks for the review! Cant wait to read more.

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Enjoy your cruise. Looking forward to your review.

Day 2 departure

We woke up early Sunday morning to enjoy the last minute views of the palm trees, beach, and ocean before we ate breakfast and tried uber for the first time. It was a little odd, but worked out perfectly for much less than a taxi.

Our scheduled time to board was between 10:30-11:00. Once we officially checked in, we waited in terminal C for about an hour. The previous cruise was behind schedule. The terminal was packed and hot. Once they started boarding everyone had received a group number ticket after your sail away photo. We did not receive one. It was quite frustrating as people who arrived after us were on before us. Eventually, we were onboard.

Everyone was ready for lunch, including us. O’Sheehans was our first stop. Upon first impression, the atrium area appeared to be a great spot with a bar atmosphere and just to people watch. I did not realize that most of the classes, trivia, and other onboard activities would be taking place there. There were few moments where you could just relax with a cup of coffee on many of their comfy chairs. Overall, it still is a great spot on the ship.

After a little exploration we went to check out our room in 8116. I couldn't have been more thrilled with the mini suite. Considering we were originally in a balcony room, this was a pleasant upgrade. The double sink in the bathroom is awesome, the walk in shower with the six jets was quite enjoyable, and the large balcony with the table, chairs, and 2 lounge chairs went beyond expectations. After looking at many of the deck plans, I knew we had a coveted balcony for those staying outside the Haven or suites. This balcony made our vacation. So much time was spent here whether it be coffee, napping, chatting with our neighbor, and reading.

The first night was spent in the casino and just a meal in the café. As many have stated, the casino is in an odd location. There is so much foot traffic of people just going from one end to the other, it seems like the casino was just plopped in there. I understand the logic behind it, but it seems a little ridiculous for those who are gambling. The smoke did not bother me so much. At times, yes.

I love the chandelier surrounding the casino and the staircase. Very well done. I just expected it to be a little more of an open area than the 3 floors. It is a beautiful set up and the stairs are gorgeous. Does anyone else love that stone wall opposite of the ice bar? So simple and so well done.

Sitting at the airport and reality is sinking in. Having the large balcony on deck 8 did not bother us at all. Besides leaving Miami, there were not a ton of people out at once looking onto our deck.

I just love how it's different colors every time you walk by.

Bring your sweet tooth!!!

That's a wrap for Day 1

Day 2 (sea day)

Started the day off with a workout. I expected the gym to be slammed, and it was. The cardio equipment is nice with the machines over looking the seas. The weights are sparse. There is about enough room for 2 with the free weights and about 5 or 6 machines in there which I did not care for. Very constructive to conserve space, which I get.

Our daily ritual was spent getting specialty coffee in the atrium. I'm am addict. Did the ropes course for the first of many times. Did not have the courage to walk the plank. In the afternoon I went to the ships and destinations seminar in the atrium. I always like to plan ahead and think about future cruises (Hawaii, Alaska, Norwegian fjords).

Had several of the non-alcoholic pina coladas and daiquiris. It at least made me feel like I was joining in on the festivities.

Dinner reservations were at Cagneys tonight. I always go for the NY strip. It was cooked to perfection. Truffle fries were also ordered with it. I would not recommend them. I was expecting a hand cut fry, but it was the same fries used in the cafe. We both had the raspberry crime brûlée, which was out of this world!!!! The only odd thing was the pop music playing in a steakhouse. It could have been worse, but hearing Miley Cyrus while eating a nice meal made me want to pierce my eardrums.

The evening was finished with Burn the Floor. We both were impressed!! The two vocalists really were wonderful. The dancers were top notch. It could have been slightly shorter, but perfect otherwise.

Sunrise

I have soooo much more!!!

One thing I want to mention that has caused such great controversy here is...the water!!! I drank it and lived to tell! It is just fine, completely tasteless, and probably better than what comes out of my own faucet. I purchased a brita filtered sports bottle and our steward filled it every night for us. Now I know the water situation is not a big deal at all!

Great review so far! I'm sailing for the second time on the Getaway in 62 days. :cool: Last year we did the Eastern Caribbean, this time the Western - which is all new to me!! :D

Awesome start! More please...

Thanks for doing more of your review! Cant wait to read more!

Were you always able to get a treadmill and did you notice any rowing machines? I like to get to the gym about 7-730 am on vacation and earlier if we are getting off early in a port.

Thanks.

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Thanks for sharing your review. Looking forward to hearing more and seeing more pictures.

Thanks for doing more of your review! Cant wait to read more!

 

Were you always able to get a treadmill and did you notice any rowing machines? I like to get to the gym about 7-730 am on vacation and earlier if we are getting off early in a port.

 

Thanks.

 

 

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There are 1 or 2 rowing machines. Never had a problem getting a treadmill or elliptical. Even on sea days.

There are 1 or 2 rowing machines. Never had a problem getting a treadmill or elliptical. Even on sea days.

Thanks so much! Only ten more months lol. Ill be celebrating my 50th with my dh and leaving the kids (23 and 19) at home...yikes lol.

Thanks for adding pictures. Love it. Would you book your hotel again? We are flying in day before cruise and would love to have dinner and drinks outside and people watch.

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I board on Sunday. Can you tell me if there was shampoo and lotion in the bathroom? Thanks!

Shampoo,yes Located in dispenser in shower. Small bottles of lotion. I brought my own

I board on Sunday. Can you tell me if there was shampoo and lotion in the bathroom? Thanks!

Only shampoo and a body gel. The sink has a pump with soap. I ended up bringing my own shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, and lotion.

The day in Roaton was the only excursion not booked through NCL. After reading so much about Little French Key, it looked too good to pass up. It was heavenly. However, getting to meet our drivers was not. We had to go outside to the main road to meet them, which seemed sketchy. As soon as you step into the main port area, it is a culture shock of bombardment. People in your face trying to sell you an excursion.

It was about a 20-30 minute ride there through the winding roads. The ride definitely left you feeling appreciative for your life back at home. It is a rather poor country. there is also no speed limits, so it was like taking a taxi in NYC.

The island is out of this world. We paid our admission and took the ferry over. The island has a small zoo on it, which rocked!!! There are a ton of places to lounge and soak in the sun. They have kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear. We used the rope swing off the high dock. The only thing lacking was the food. I read great reviews, but it was not my thing.

Beautiful pictures soon!!!

Did you happen to keep the dallies?

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Did you happen to keep the dallies?

 

 

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I did. I will try and post them.

For Little French Key did you walk to meet the driver? How far would you say it is? I am traveling with a large group and my parents are in their 70's. Also, would you recommend taking the package at Little French Key that includes lunch and drinks? Or A la carte?

Thank you, loving your review. 48 days to go.