Getaway April 18-25 Review with Photos

Your quote: Quite a few of the roll call attendees headed over to the casino to do the slot pull but we decided to do the wine tasting instead. Funny enough, only four people showed up for the wine tasting. The sommelier ended up canceling it and provided us a bottle of champagne with his apologies.

We were on the Gem a couple of weeks back. They cancelled the martini and wine tasting, as well as the pub crawl. The bartender at the Martini bar said they're cancelled every cruise now. Ever since they started the Choice promo most drinkers are choosing the CHOB(Ultimate Beverage package). Rather than pay for a tasting, they just order whatever drink they want for free. I wasn't sure if it would affect the larger ships. Obviously it does.

Can I please get copies of the dailies - not sailing until December, but would love to do some advance reading, Thanks jarr0618@sbcgloba1.net

Please sent dailies too please booooorin@hotmail.com. Thanks for the detail review!! Always nice to see what others think of the ship that we will be on in 100 days!!

I just sent them over. Have fun!

Your quote: Quite a few of the roll call attendees headed over to the casino to do the slot pull but we decided to do the wine tasting instead. Funny enough, only four people showed up for the wine tasting. The sommelier ended up canceling it and provided us a bottle of champagne with his apologies.

 

We were on the Gem a couple of weeks back. They cancelled the martini and wine tasting, as well as the pub crawl. The bartender at the Martini bar said they're cancelled every cruise now. Ever since they started the Choice promo most drinkers are choosing the CHOB(Ultimate Beverage package). Rather than pay for a tasting, they just order whatever drink they want for free. I wasn't sure if it would affect the larger ships. Obviously it does.

I guess that makes sense. It is to bad because we really enjoyed the tastings.

We are on the Pride of America next June and they are not allowed to do the ultimate beverage package on the ship so (crossing my fingers) there will be some people doing the Wine and Mojito tasting.

Michelle

Can I please get copies of the dailies - not sailing until December, but would love to do some advance reading, Thanks jarr0618@sbcgloba1.net

They are on the way!

Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Wonderful review and pictures - thanks for posting. When you get a chance, please send dailies to judyhanes@email.com. No hurry, sadly we are not sailing until next April

Thanks!

Im new to NCL. Will the dailies change when the Getaway changes to the western itinerary going Sunday to Sunday?

Im new to NCL. Will the dailies change when the Getaway changes to the western itinerary going Sunday to Sunday?

Hi,

It will probably change a little bit. But, after being on so many NCL ships I can say that the dailies are very similar in terms of activities being offered. The times are a little different but the mainstays like White Hot Party/Glow Party, Newlywed Game, trivia, etc..are on all the ships.

Not sure if that helps:)

Michelle

Hi - thanks for the review! Can't wait until our cruise. Would love the dailies... donna_young_yadav@yahoo.com. Thanks!

We are sailing on the 11th of July. I would love to have the dailies in advance. Thanks so much. keamonson@comcast.net

We cruise on the Getaway this October for our wedding anniversary. First time on NCL after many cruises on Celebrity and NCL. We would love copies of the dailies to start planning -send to rharvey1203@yahoo.com

Thanks

Toni and Rob

Hi all,

I just sent them over to you. Have reading!

Michelle

Thanks so much!!

We are approaching the time when we can book shows for our Oct 3 cruise. Could you send the dailies as I've enjoyed your review and think I may need to book some ?

Thanks..... Claybitz@rogers.com

They are on the way!

Michelle

Thanks for the dailies......john & brenda

Sunny Vegas I would love to have a copy of the dailies too. They would help with pre reserving dinner reservations.

my email is bluehorizonlover@yahoo.com

Thank you so much in advance!

We along with my parents booked this cruise at the last minute. We were originally slated to sail April 12th on the NCL Star through the Panama Canal but the trip was cancelled on April 6th due to mechanical issues. We were heartbroken since it was on our bucket list but we decided to make the best of it.

 

This was the first large NCL ship we have sailed and we have to say that we loved it. As most people who have only taken the smaller and older NCL ships we were very concerned about the number of guests on board and the quality of service. However, the fear was unfounded. Now….it could be because the ship only had 4000 passengers and the majority of them were adults but I also think it is because the ship is so large and there is so much to do that guests are scattered everywhere.

 

One of the biggest changes for us was the booking of shows and restaurants before we left on the cruise. On the smaller NCL ships that is something that you do not need to do since there is always open availability. We ended up making most of our specialty dinner reservations for 5:30 pm and they usually ran anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 hours in length. Make sure to plan accordingly if you are trying to make your show reservation.

 

We flew into Ft. Lauderdale on Wednesday the 15th and stayed at the Hilton Cabana on Miami Beach. The beach was amazing but the hotel is far from the action and there are very few restaurants in the area—I would recommend finding a hotel further south. My parents flew into MIA on Friday and stayed at the Courtyard Marriott near the airport. Since we were at different locations, I booked a car service through Moveo that worked perfectly for the four of us. The car dropped us off at the Port of Miami at 11:15 am.

 

The Getaway is so large that there are two terminals. On your cruise documents, you will find either a Terminal B or Terminal C under the At the Pier Heading. My parents were Terminal B and we were Terminal C. We had some concern about not checking in together but it worked out just fine.

 

On entering Terminal C, I was shocked that there was no line. In addition, they had over 30 agents working checking guests in—yes…30. This was the first time, that I have ever seen that in all our cruising years. Once we checked in (5 minutes), we were off to the holding room. Although the room was full, there was ample seating for all guests. We waited about 10 minutes and we were called to board. I sent a quick text to my parents letting them know that we would meet them in Taste for lunch.

 

Now, about embarking and lunch options: they do push you to the buffet but just head to deck 6 and have a leisurely lunch at Taste (not listed in the daily). We ordered a cocktail and by the time it arrived, my parents were at the table. Overall, we were checked-in and having cocktails and lunch by 11:45 am. Not bad at all!! My guess is that the buffet was a zoo since there were only five other tables in the restaurant.

 

While we were at lunch we started playing with the iconcierge app which we all loved (photo). We did pay the $7.95 for the texting and calling option for each phone but in the future I would only do one per couple since it seemed that my mother and I were the only ones texting. The best part of the app is that I could see our bill whenever I wanted throughout the cruise.

 

After lunch, we stopped at our cabin (12712) a family balcony to drop off our hand luggage. This floor is close to the Splash Academy so is more suited to guests with children but since there were very few cabins left when we booked, we took what was open. My parents ended up with a family mini suite (deck 13) since they had a guaranteed balcony. The only difference between the two cabins is that the mini suite has a double sink and a large shower. Other than that, there is absolutely no difference.

 

In terms of the room, I found the Getaway balcony cabin much roomier than any other NCL balcony staterooms we have had. I think it is because the bed is recessed into the wall so it gives you more walking space. In addition, it is important that you get a cabin with the bed near the balcony so that it is not close to the closet. You can tell where the bed is going to be by looking at the Getaway deck plans. If this helps any I told my husband that I would feel completely comfortable in that room for an extended cruise.

 

 

The closet comes with 15 hangers and you can ask for more if you need them. In addition, the balconies do come with robes so if you do not have them in your closet just ask your steward. The best place to store your suitcases is under the bed.

 

The balcony is small but large enough for two people to sit down and read a book. However, the balconies are bit different from other NCL ships. For instance, there is a small white divider between your balcony and the next balcony, which gives you some privacy, but if you wanted to chat with the neighbors, you could do that too. Also, we looked straight down into the large balconies below so those guests have absolutely no privacy. Keep that in mind if you are looking to book a forward large balcony on deck 8.

 

I always hate how small the showers are but this one seemed roomier and it may be because of its shape. It does have a small foot rest for women to shave their legs and storage for your soap. The only challenge with the shower was how to work the handles for the water. The left handle turns the water on while the right handle does both hot and cold. The water gets very hot so make sure to test it before you get in.

 

The last comment on the room is the location. We were forward so it was a bit of a walk to the elevators/stairs. If you are one that would prefer not to walk as far then make sure to book a room closer to the access points. I also had reservations about the limited number of elevators but here again, I was wrong. We never waited for an elevator and many times, we would be the only ones on it.

Very cool review. Seems like y'all had a great time.

Not sailing until December, but would like to get a copy of the Dailies. jarr0618@sbcglobal.net

I just sent them over. Enjoy:)

Michelle

Considering a sail on the Getaway this December. This would be the first time on an NCL cruise, and I would love a peek at the dailies to get familiar.

snurly7@gmail.com

Much appreciated!

May I get a copy? jlacy1987@gmail.com

Thanks!

Happy Friday!

I just sent the dailies over.

Michelle

would love the dailies.....cencirc@aol.com

Might be easier to put them somewhere like Dropbox and share the links.

would love the dailies.....cencirc@aol.com

Just sent them over.

Michelle