Deacon22

1 minute ago, jethrojam said:

Guess its true, to each their own.    

 

On another note, was thinking of trying out the cabanas on the Prima this year but one thing I can't figure out, since its not yet available.

Cost of cabana.    Does the 649 include the 2 person Vibe pass?   Or is it ultimately 500 plus 650 for cabana for 2?

If you just get the cabana you automatically get two passes for the Vibe. Vibe is included. 

36 minutes ago, sansroof said:

@Deacon22 I was searching the site for Getaway cabana info and this thread came up - first, thanks for your review which is super helpful.  We just booked a cabana for a Getaway sailing in the fall and I was wondering about the cabana assignment / location process.  About how many cabanas are there on the Getaway and are they all in the same general vicinity?  I know they expanded the Vibe area relatively recently and I wasn't sure if that meant the cabanas would be spread out.  Also I assume you get the same cabana for the whole cruise - do they assign you one or do you pick? 

 

Thank you!

So they assign you a cabana.  The number will be in your room with a welcome package along with two wristbands that we never put on.    There is five cabanas all in a row up against the rail of the ship so you look out directly into the ocean. Yes you get the same one.  We never had an issue with someone else using our cabana.  

4 minutes ago, Winky7650 said:

Thank you for your review. We will be on the Getaway in May. We bought the Vibe passes, but I wish I would have gotten the cabana for a few dollars more. 

I initially got the vibe passes then called NCL and changed it.   If they’re not sold out yet you can always change it 

On 3/3/2023 at 8:07 PM, jethrojam said:

I was on this cruise.   Everything he did that I did, I agree.

 

I dealt with the kids club a bit more.   If you were not there 30 minutes prior to opening, your kid was not getting in.

I got the Thermospa instead of the VIbe for my peace and quiet.   Didn't have much time to go since the splash academy was always full.    But when I did, it was great...but considerably worse than breakaway and others.   Unisex sauna and steam rooms were meh.   The best part of the breakaway sauna is being above the bridge.   The thermopool has a little nuance to it as well.   The metal sit down area?   Breakaway is too long....Getaways is too short.    Cant win I guess.

 

My biggest complaint about the MDR is they replaced the lasagna with baked Ziti.   Hard pass.  

 

My son and I had a blast.   Our steward was great, and everyone was trying.

 

Oh and there are many complaints about Osheehans buffalo wings not being fried.    I was mad too! 

However...TRY them!   They are excellent!!!

The wings were terrible.  I could’ve dealt with the baked wings if they were cooked at a higher temperature.   They really were brutal.  I think my favorite thing there was the nachos which they didn’t have on the late night menu.  

2 hours ago, Kruizin'Kath said:

Thank you for your reply! Do you remember if this was the Hilton Ocean Front or the Hilton Garden Inn? Could you use the pool, bar and restrooms?

 

Thanks,

 

Kathy

Was the Ocean front.    You are allowed to use everything but the pool area. 

On 2/28/2023 at 3:59 PM, Kruizin'Kath said:

Thanks for taking the time to write this review! We will be sailing on 3/26 and the only excursions I see for Cocoa Beach are the transfer to Cocoa Beach Surf Company for $15.00 which runs each way every 30 minutes, or for $29.00 a 6 hour stay at Cocoa Beach. Did your tour specify the Hilton or did you just do it on your own? TIA

The 29$ day at the beach tour is the one at the Hilton.  They should mention that.   I don’t k ow why they don’t.   I actually called  before our cruise to ask what it entailed and the ncl agent didn’t know. 

Only got the fruit once.  Of course it was Kevin who brought it.  But I can’t complain about the Vibe.  It was a good

move getting it. Funny one sea day my wife went to meet my daughter and I was at the bar in the vibe.  She came back 20 minutes later. I said that was quick.  She said the pool deck is chaos.  😁. I was a star in her eyes booking the Vibe 

POrt Canaveral - had a layover here.   Got in at about 4 pm.  Left the next day around 6.  We took the transfer to Cocoa Beach for a NCL excursion that was free because of the 50$ credit.   They drop you off at a Hilton on the beach and you get to use their facility.    We rented chairs for 20$ and had a beach day.  The weather was great but hot. We left early and took an uber back to the boat.  A short 15 min ride.  
 

NCL Island in the Bahamas.    I was kinda impressed with this.  The tendering off the boat was run well.  When we got to the island there was plenty of beach chairs.  I really didn’t know what to expect 4800 people leaving the ship heading to the same location.  It wasn’t an issue.  Getting a drink or food which of course is included was never difficult.  The food was basically the same food in the buffet.  We snorkeled and layed out and had another relaxing day. 
 

Bermuda was cancelled so we ended up in Miami.   Weather was great and we all went to South Beach.   Hit the beach for a couple of hours.  My 17 year old son enjoyed himself looking at all the models on that beach.    After the beach, we ate lunch in Miami and went back to the ship.   
 

The ship was packed with over 4800 people. 1500-1800 children (heard all sorts of numbers.).  I never felt like it was took crowded except the last sea day when it was cold and raining.  
 

I felt the service on the ship was very good.  I never waited longer than five minutes for a drink but I also picked an chose my spots.  If I was at OSheehans and it looked packed, I would just walk forty feet to the next bar and got my drink.  
 

Im sure I’m leaving tons out but the cruise was a success in my eyes.  My kids had a ball and my wife loved it.   I would say the decision to get the vibe was important.  Although probably not worth it on a less crowded cruise (589$ with cabana) We never had to fight for a chair.  And it was super relaxing.  The privacy was definitely worth it for us. 
 
I try not to complain when there was an issue, I just moved on and try to make the best of it.  It’s clear NCL is cutting corners to try to make some money and they are understaffed.  But I believe every cruise line is doing the same.  Would I cruise again with NCL.  Sure, but they definitely didn’t make it like it was my only choice.   I may do RCL soon to compare the two. 
 

Figured I would reciprocate with a review.  Writing this from my phone so please excuse the grammar, spelling etc.

Went on the packed Getaway with my wife and my son and daughter.  They are 16 and 17.  

We stayed in two balcony cabins on the 11th deck. 11766 and 11764.  They were not adjoining but next to each other.   No issues with the cabin.  The balcony is small but big enough to sit out there.  There was a considerable amount of noise coming from the crew area at night.  It didn’t bother us but if you want silence, this may not be the cabin for you.
 

Steward was very nice.  When I arrived I asked for distilled water for my cpap machine. He got it in an instant and asked me if I wanted an extension cord for it.  I had brought one but it was nice to know that they have it.

For this cruise we got the Free at Sea Plus and the Vibe Cabana.  For us, I think this was worth it.  The vibe cabana was worth it because we had beautiful weather and the cruise was packed.   The free at sea plus was probably worth it for all the aqua panna and Starbucks we drank.   Certainly wasn’t worth it for my upcharge in drinks.  I don’t drink wine and I drink bourbon or tequila.   They really didn’t have great options in either and if I did go with Buffalo trace, it was a dollar extra. 
 

Restaurants-  the MDR Savor and Taste had great service and cold food.  The food was mostly tasty but the temperature was all over the place.  I actually was writing down everything we ate and how we enjoyed it. I was going to add it to a live but I was informed by someone that you shouldn’t “hijack” someone’s post.  What are we in the Middle East?   These boards are to inform other people, not to give one clout.  But whatever.  
The Tropicana was my least favorite on board.  The service was absolutely brutal.  Waited forty minutes for them to clear out main dishes and get a desert menu.   We gave up.  
 

Teppanyaki was great.   They no longer have filet mignon but the strip steak was tender and enjoyable.  Was a great dinner. Everyone enjoyed it. 
 

La Cucina.  Usually I say you can skip the Italian specialty dinners on cruises.  I  Italian and never really love it.  My shrimp fra diavolo was actually delicious.   I will say the portions were small and this was everywhere on the ship.  You can see they are cutting back.  The pizza which my kids had was awful.   The buffet pizza was better.  Dessert was delicious. 
 

Ocean Blue.   Had the filet mignon here and it was fantastic.  Blazing shrimp and gumbo were also excellent.  Second best place I ate. 
 

Cagneys.   Couldn’t believe it.   All o heard on the ship was how great it was.  I didn’t like it.  Ocean Blue steak I felt was much better.   I got the 8oz filet.   Definitely gave me the petite.  It was tiny and over cooked.  Shrimp cocktail was ok. The heirloom tomatoes were ridiculous.   Was cut supper thin and they chopped onions with it.  If I had to pay for this dinner which was 420$ he receipt said, I would’ve been greatly disappointed. The crème brûlée was delicious though. 
 

OSheehans was terrible.  
 

I tried to get into Shanghai three times and was shut down.   On the fourth try, I went an hour early before they opened.   It was the best thing I ate on the ship.  Wish I went four more times.  The lo mein was the best lo mein I’ve ever eaten.   Amazing.

Entertainment- we went to Bway Unplugged which was pretty good.  Good singers there.  
Burn the Floor.  While they are surely talented, I was bored after the first 25 mins.  It was the same kinda music for an hour. 
Million - was entertaining.  Elvis was great.  My one critique is the music is too loud so you really can’t hear the singers voice until the acoustic performances. 
Dueling pianos was fun.  One really good female singer there. 
The comedians were my favorite thing.  They had two.  They were both funny.  One parent decided to bring an 11 year old to the adult show at 11 o’clock and sit in the front.  😁

part 2 in a bit. 

16 minutes ago, ppcox said:

https://www.ncl.com/sites/default/files/Beverage_Packages_01232023.pdf
 

We are thinking of getting the Free at Sea plus upgrade. We are basing our decision on the list above provided on NCL’s website. Are some of these not available?

. 

I am on the Getaway right now.  Finally came across a written menu.  Here’s what’s available in the main bar at the atrium.  The gray shaded is the premium I believe.  Plus Starbucks.  So the 25$ a day we spend in Starbucks for the four of us made it worth it for us. 

Hope it comes through.  Wifi is hit or mis with adding photos. 

2 hours ago, roxette said:

I just bought Vibe passes for the first time, on the Breakaway. How is the selection in the bar? I also have the premium plus package, I would guess they have more of the plus drinks than Spice and The Pool bars.

 

Thanks for any input! 

On the Getaway they don’t.  Bar is not well stocked.  I have the premium plus.   To be fair, I’m not a big complainer so I haven’t asked for anything special.  I just take what they got.  I asked for the premium bourbon, they don’t have it. It’s well.   No premium tequila as well.  But it’s  a hell of a lot quicker to get a drink her then on deck 15.  It’s a zoo there right now. 

1 hour ago, Negma said:

Does the cabana have a solid top or are there slats that would allow rain to come in? Pictures looked like slats. 

There is slats.   It does not help you with rain.  We got rained on today. 

14 minutes ago, TexasTraveler18 said:

Question for you experienced Vibe pass people.  Does getting a cabana help with the wind issue?  I know sometimes, on the top deck, nothing helps.  Going to be on the Getaway in Northern Europe in August and am a bit concerned it could be too cool/windy.  Appreciate any thoughts/experiences you can share. Happy Cruising 😎

 Very very windy on the Getaway right now.  The Getaway’s cabana is shaped like an igloo so the answer is yes it cuts it down tremendously. Doesn’t stop all of the wind but it does cut it down significantly.   I was at the Vibe bar today.  There was about 15 people in the Vibe.  The wind started going crazy.  Lounge pillows flying everywhere.   The Vibe emptied.   I went in my cabana with my wife.   She was laying down reading a book.  She didn’t even know what was going on out there. 
 

A side note.  There is 4800 people on the Getaway.  They sold 150 Vibe tix.  Apparently they say the Getaway is one of the biggest vibes.  Only 5 cabanas.  I think it was worth the extra 89$.  Just wish there was music. 

14 minutes ago, ColeThornton said:

 

 

Actually it's poor etiquette to hijack someone else's review.   Start your own if you want to share your experiences which I'm sure people would appreciate.

Thank you Cole.   I’m out 

4 minutes ago, mking8288 said:

Good morning to all those onboard, sounded like things mostly went well and smooth ... mostly with a few hiccups with the ship near lifeboat / maximum permitted capacity during school break.  

 

Wondering if some of the orders not getting thru might be attributed to the new & less than experienced crews working on the ship, i.e. our room steward wasn't in her 20's but we learned she just returned from a break (in December) after her first contract with NCL - and we continued to see crew members rotation, reporting for duty.  

 

There's another live Report onboard the GA by another CC'er - it mentioned that (frozen) lobster tail is back - as a choice in Teppanyaki, wow - that's not bad vs. "jumbo" shrimps (would've much preferred black tiger jumbo shripm/prawn ... I know, greedy)   This must be something new, or temporary - as we had shrimps not lobster tail, as one of the option and/or in the combo mix.   Haven dining, we know, usually has a choice for lobster tail(s). 

 

Ship's livecam showing calm seas & fair weather, sun & clouds - should be a good day/afternoon on the sun decks.  Thank you again for all the incremental updates & "supplemental" posts contributed by others.  Have a great cruise !   

My son had the lobster last night at Teppanyaki.  He said it was great.  My wife also ordered it but the chef screwed up the order and made her salmon. He seemed a little nervous when he realized   No big deal.  My wife is very easygoing.  She took the salmon instead.  She also said that was excellent. 

I’m assuming rather than have seven live Getaway posts we can all post on this one. If that’s not the case, someone please let me know. 
 

Woke up at 10. 😳.   These beds are awesome.  My daughter knocking on my cabin woke me out of my sleep. Wife and daughter already worked out and walked around the ship since 8.   My son Is still asleep.  Was out all night. These kids love this cruise.   Took her down to the buffet.  That’s what she wanted.  She loved it.  They pretty much have everything.  I just grabbed a bagel.  Was able to get a seat.   Not sure how it is at 8am but 1030 it was crowded but manageable.  We then went to Starbucks.   Wait was about 15 mins but no big deal.  Two giant frappacinos all included in the free plus package. Now off to the vibe for a bit to check it out.  We are somewhere in Virginia right now.  It’s not too cold out.  We have La Cucina scheduled for dinner and either Broadway Unplugged or Burn the Floor.  Not sure which one we are going to do.  
 

Day one almost in the books.  
 

We stopped by the Vibe.  Had a drink.  Went in the cabana.  With the sun shining bright, it was actually warm laying on the padded lounge chair.   I started falling asleep in five minutes.  I can tell I’m gonna like it there. 
Food  - O’Sheehans for lunch. Teppanyaki for dinner.  O’Sheehan’s meh.  Will definitely try it again.  They may have been overwhelmed from the embarking.    Teppanyaki very good. All four of us 

Entertainment.  I don’t know about previous reviews but it seems they have quite a bit. Went to the theater for a comedian.   He was ok.  I didn’t find him funny but the Mrs did. Half the place laughed continuously so I guess he did his job. 
Howl at the Moon Dueling Piano bar.   One female singer was fantastic.   The other two were ok.  But it was fun. 
Also took the time to watch a duo singing at the atrium.  They were ok.  

Haven’t seen my kids since dinner.   They were on a scavenger hunt with about 100 teens. I’m guessing they are going to enjoy this week immensely. I do believe my 16 yr old daughter had soft serve ice cream.   So I think they fixed that from the last Getaway cruise. 
 

With the exception of waiting at Guest Services, the 4800 on the boat does not seem overwhelming so far.   We’ll see how it goes later in the week. I’m sure tendering to shore will be interesting. 

    Tomorrow at sea. 

Third time at guest services today to wait.  My card keeps disabling.  😁Dinner at Teppanyaki was wonderful though.   Gotta accentuate the positive.  

Sorry you didn’t get your order.  It was crazy there.   Waited an hour.  The beeper went off.  Service took very long and food was cold. 
 

passing the Statue of Liberty as we speak

55 minutes ago, Dorhead1230 said:

Well, 11 AM check-in time isn’t happening because it’s 11 and I’m about to shower and get dressed to leave 😅. Prepping for a cruise immediately after a move doesn’t go great, evidently. But DH is already loading the bags in the car so we’ll be out of here soon. And at least we don’t have to stress about a long trip—we’re LIE exit 53 so it’ll only take us about an hour to get to Pier 88. I’m going to silver-lining this and think about the fact that we’ll walk right onto the ship by the time we get there and I won’t have to amuse LM in the terminal. Onward! Arrival pictures forthcoming if we ever get there.

Pulled in to drop the luggage off.  First thing porter said was  “we are normally around 3300.   4800 today.   Good luck.”

I said it’s  better than freezing. 

@Dorhead1230Glad you are doing it and not me.  This cruise is gonna be filled with teachers, cops, fireman and kids.  😬😃  

35 minutes ago, vacation44 said:

 

In our experience,  it has always been worth every penny--especially with a full ship with a lot of children. 
 

 

That’s what I’m hoping.  I don’t mind spending the extra money for some quiet.  Just hope it works out.  I have two rooms because I’m traveling with my wife and two teens. My wife had to be in one room and I in the other.  When I tried to add my wife to the vibe they said just do it at the excursion desk.  I always like having things planned out in advance. Therefore no surprises like the “I’m sorry, it’s only for someone in your room.  You can’t transfer it over to another stateroom guest” that I fully expect to hear. 

5 minutes ago, itsnotjustme said:

While I have sailed on NCL 8 times totaling 74 nights, and will reach Saphire next cruise, yet I don't know what the Vibe is.....

Lol.  Basically a small area where you pay so no one can get in with you and you can have a lounge chair and get a drink in less than two minutes. 😁. I’m sure I wasted 589$. 

24 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

When you call, ask for tech support. The average call center person does not have the privileges to look at and fix reservations. You need someone who has those privs. 
 

But, this close to departure, the reservations may have transferred to the ship and you’ll have to deal with whatever the problem is at the port (where you have personnel from the port agent who don’t even work for NCL). 

Thanks. I did take a screenshot so hopefully that will be the end of it. But I can see it being an issue.