nyc511

For anybody who has recently sailed aboard the Getaway, do you recall what staff held the main positions?  Hotel Director, Food and Beverage, and Cruise Director.  Thanks!

Hi.  Could someone explain the difference between a "normal" cabin with a balcony aboard the Getaway, and a "spa" cabin?  The layout seems identical (or almost identical) and the price is about the same.  If you get a regular cabin, can you still purchase a pass for the spa, or is that limited to only spa cabins? 

Thanks.  I did a search on here, but couldn't find anything.  If this has already been discussed, kindly just pot the link!  Thanks!

Obviously, New England customers are entitled to a nice ship, so have fun with the Gem. But sending us the Dawn in lieu of sending it to the scrap yard in Jakarta is insulting. Wasn't the Breakaway suppossed to be "a ship that New York can call her own," or some similiar load of..... Now that's gone too. I'll try the Escape, but only because of the ease of 12th Avenue, but I have not heard great things about it, particularly it's megaship mentality.

Ahhh....this bath tub/shower thing rears it's head again! I can't put my finger on it at the moment, but there has been discussion in the past about the tubs: some people love; others hate it! I travel with elderly people and they prefer to be on Deck 11 because of the proximity to the Garden Cafe/ Great Outdoors, etc., but they find that they have to take a shower in the Spa because they cannot get in and out of the tub easily. There are few handles, the tub is sloped, and there are glass doors - all of which can ad up to an unpleasant situation while underway in heavier seas. The cabins on deck 11 are larger; they have a larger sofa with a curtain divider, and of course, the tub. On the lower Decks, 10 for example, the cabins are smaller - not really noticable in my opinion, and stall showers. That issue aside, I have found Deck 11 to be very noisy. Depending on cabin location, you are either under the Kitchen, the cafeteria, the teen disco,or the pool. You will hear the deck chairs being stacked, the decks and pools power washed, and the metal chairs being replaced while being dragged across the metal deck. If under the restaurant, bear in mind that it is essentially a 24 hr operation with things being cleaned and food supplies being brought up. Still, others (including some in my party) have voiced no complaints. I go to Deck 10 from now on because of the above reasons, but to each his own! Happy sailing!

LeBistro tends to be fancier, with many men wearing a jacket (but with khakis and polo shirts - country club attire I guess you would call it.) The menu is also more formal, which may or may not fly well if you have younger children. I enjoyed it - the ambiance and service are, I think, perfect for something a little special on a cruise where everything else caters to the masses. I'm afraid I won't be of much help to you because I enjoyed them all. Cucina was surprisingly good; my first thought was, "Italian food....meh, I can get that anywhere." But I thought it was excellent and worth the money. The Teppanyaki was probably my least favorite food wise, but the whole experience is very entertaining. I think I need a longer cruse because by the time I tried all the specialty restaurants I barely had time for the regular ones, which I was also pleased with.

In a nutshell, there may be issues with NCL, but I personally don't list the food as one of them

Just saw this elsewhare. check it out - good be what you are looking for:

parkjockey.com

I believe it is $40 per night, but only for the first 10 days, then you pay nothing for a period of time. A word of caution: it is an outdoor lot, so if it snows your car will be plowed in. Not a particularly pleasant thing to return to. I've seen many people essentially stranded.

On NCL you will see very little formal wear. By "formal" I mean tuxedos, etc. There will be some, but not many. You will see a handful of jackets and ties,and a decent number of men wearing jackets with no tie. The bulk will just be casual without a jacket. As is often the case, the women make a better go of it than the men in the look neat category.

Others have said it, so I'll chime in too: the lack of the Great Outdoors on the Dawn is a real issue, possibly a deal breaker.

No, there are no balconies or minisuites with obstructed views. However there are several minisuites on Jewel class ships that I wouldn't book because of possible noise from above - for me those areas are especially below the sun deck area and buffet/Italian restaurant galleys.

 

We've stayed below the buffet dining area and Italian restaurant dining area and both were fine, also cabins under library, spa and game rooms are said to be quiet, when again cabin under the gym can be noisy.

Spot on - well said. I'll only add that I've found every Deck 11 cabin to be noisy. If not under the Garden Cafe, then you have to deal with the deck chairs being stacked, the deck power washed, and the chairs returned early in the morning.I booked a regular balcony on a lower deck to avoid the noise.

I tried hooking up my laptop to the TV in the past with poor results. First, access to the USB slots is not easy - TV is fixed in place. On the one occasion I was able to get my chubby hands back there and hook up the cable, the video only partially worked.

Just goes to show: different strokes for different folks! I had no problem with the cabin itself; we were (and always have been) on Deck 11, but next time I'll probably one deck lower. They may be a little smaller, but the noise from Deck 12 has always been troubling: the music at night from the theme parties, power washing of the deck, storing and subsequent replacement of the lounge chairs, Garden Cafe/ kitchen noise, fitness center, teen club, etc. Also, deck 11 has bathtubs, whereas those below have stall showers. Or so I think. As noted above, many enjoyed the bathtubs, but I found them difficult, and frankly, dangerous to get in and out of. They are a bit deeper and more sloped than a standard tub, presumably to stop the water from sloshing over the side while underway, but even a regular tub may be an issue or concern to some. It was mentioned above that they were around 18 inches, which depending on your height of course, is about knee high. (I'm 5'9) For some, it's not too easy standing on one foot, lifting the other higher than your knee on a wet tile surface on a ship underway in the Atlantic. A DUI sobriety test is easier. There weren't any hand/grip rails either which I've noticed is pretty standard now-a-days in hotels. Anyway, I think you get the point! Personal preference. Others in the group took showers in the spa as that's where they were at the end of the day anyway.

Actually, I don't think she is. I'm fairly certain that I've read on here that the GEM is going to be positioned to a new home port. Texas, I think. NYC will be getting another larger ship.

Nice looking - similarity to other ships notwithstanding. And a respectable number of passengers. I admit that we are only looking at an artist's rendition, but I still don't see someplace quiet and shady to sit and relax and just enjoy the actual cruising part of the cruise. I have not been on the "Aways," but on "Jewel" class ships there was really no place. On Gem, a smattering of lounge chairs on deck 13, alongside the running track and immediately adjacent to whatever loud band is catering to line dancing or sexy knees contests. On the "Promenade," which traditionally is where lounge chairs have been in abundance aboard ships, the GEM had 10 chairs. Ten.

Dress code has become even more relaxed than it was a couple years ago - which was already pretty relaxed. A couple years ago I witnessed people being turned away from Grand Pacific because they were wearing shorts. Not this time around. Shorts, t-shirts, jeans, baseball caps - all fair game. Not in Le Bistro, admittedly; but that was a more mature crowd and perhaps the neater dress was due to that, although even there jackets were once predominant for men, but no longer.

I would take the actual bottles if at all reasonable to do so. If asked by authorities they can be identified and you can prove via the prescription number/source that you are allowed to have the product (although I doubt this would be a problem). Also, if there is an emergency of sorts staff know exactly what you are taking and what dr/pharmacy to contact. As an aside, it is illegal in many states to carry prescription medicine in a container other than that in which it was dispensed (again, I doubt this would be a problem for you!).

If you booked your journey through a travel agent, they sometimes can get access and make a reservation for you. I took that route last month when I experienced a similar problem. If not, then make your reservations as soon as possible once on board (easier said then done, I know).

We also noticed the extra sea day going. We don't mind as we like the csino those days. What happened to san juan, Barbados, Antigua, St Thomas, St marten...am I dreaming that those were once the stops?

I don't recall Barbados, but you could be correct. Certainly Antigua, and one year there was an island in the Dominican Republic.

Hello. This should in all rights go in the "Reviews" section, but I am curious as to my fellow members' thoughts, which is not an option in that area.

Took the 10 day cruise in the beginning of February,lost count on how many NCL trips, but probably my 7th Gem cruise, 6 of them this same voyage. Skipped it last year and did the Florida/Bahamas instead (mistake - but I digress!). Can't say that I enjoyed this one as much as I have in the past, but perhaps I'm getting "NCL'ed out."

Had no problem with the cabin itself; we were (and always have been) on Deck 11, but next time I will go one deck lower. They may be a little smaller, but the noise from Deck 12 has always been troubling: the music at night from the parties, the power washing of the deck, the storing and subsequent replacement of the lounge chairs, the Garden Cafe/ kitchen noise, etc. Also, deck 11 has bathtubs, whereas those below have stall showers. Perhaps some like the bathtubs, but I found them difficult, and frankly, dangerous to get in and out of.

Food was fine. Mostly pretty good in fact - except Cagney's which we tried for the first time. I have to say I was disappointed. Were it not part of the freebie dining package we were offered I doubt that I would go back. Service was rushed and not attentive. The waiter insisted on taking our dinner orders at the same time as our cocktail order, so we didn't have time to "enjoy the moment" over a drink. Apps came moments after the drinks. The steak itself was nothing special and to be candid, it was only marginally better than the steak that they offered in the complimentary dinning rooms. After all the rushing, when it came time to get another drink or a glass of water, staff was nowhere to be found.

The other restaurants were enjoyable, particularly Le Bistro. I was also impressed with Cucina, which I was hesitant about. My thoughts were that this was just going to be ordinary Italian food that I can get anywhere, anytime, and which is usually an underwhelming assortment of pasta and chicken. I'm glad that I was wrong: I thought that everything was put together well with a variety of quality selections. I had no problems with the regular restaurants though, and the staff were very helpful. I witnessed staff in the Garden Cafe accommodate more than one special request that I wouldn't have dared to make myself! The two hostesses at Magneta saved our you-know-whats when we messed up our reservation (we were part of a large group that was dining together that particular evening). As is often the case, the desserts always looked better than they tasted. In fact, I don't think they tasted much like anything at all. I think the "bakery" department may be one area that is lacking. Coffee sucked 8 years ago, and it still is lousy. Worst ever. Period. Vending machine coffee in bus stations is better than this stuff. You know there is a problem when you see dozens of your fellow passengers get off the ship and make a bee-line for a cup of coffee from someplace onshore.

The entertainment that they had was pleasant; it was the entertainment that they didn't have that was troubling. For the first several nights there was no "late" night entertainment except for a movie in the Spinnaker lounge. The movies themselves were dated, and for the most part considered "B rate" back when they were new (Hot Pursuit? Really? That's the best NCL could spring for?). In the past they had more "adult appropriate" entertainment in the Spinnaker lounge beginning around 11pm. The comedian would put on a show with a more adult theme, the newlywed game show was a little "racier", etc. They did do a few things admittedly; Quest, for example, but it was on the last night of the cruise, resulting in poor attendance. It was difficult to even find enough people to participate. On previous voyages these late night adult shows were more frequent and were very well attended, so I doubt if they've been abridged for a lack of interest.

I am perplexed by the 3 full sea days down to San Juan. I've gone through my past itineraries and on the 10 day trips it was always just 2 full days at sea, 5 stops, and 2 full days back (plus that half or 1/4 day out of port) . This year it was 3 full down, 4 stops, and 2 full back. My understanding of the economics of cruise ships is that they make a lot of money from the shore excursions, so I would think they would want that extra stop. If, however, I am wrong and the cost of docking is prohibitive, I am fine with an extra sea day, but give me an extra sea day when we are in the warm, sunny Caribbean and sailing between islands - don't give it to me in the North Atlantic in February! There just isn't enough to do on board during cold inclement weather for three straight days, and unlike HAL or Cunard, whatever "lectures" they had were really just sales pitches.

The drink package was also thrown into the mix as part of a promo. I have noticed, and I think this has been commented on in other threads, that they have shuffled the pricing and deleted many items that used to be available. There were no single malt scotches, for example, whereas Glenfiddich had always been an option (and in the past they would allow a substitute if it weren't too far beyond the price range.)

I don't want to cast this cruise or NCl in a bad light. I still think that there is real value, and if someone is thinking about taking this trip for the first time, please don't allow me to put you off. In fact, I will probably take NCL, and this cruise, again. That said, I am curious if any others have had similar thoughts. And, by the way, hats off to those who organized the Roll Call - well down as always!!

Book a head of time. They limit the number of passes they sell, although admittedly, I have never had a problem purchasing on board. day passes are limited and not available on all days, particularly when at sea.

That actually can be a challenge. The bars listed above are fine, but they are not perfect. Where music is involved, it can be loud and crowded, and the type of music may not be to your liking. Maltings looks nice, but the furniture is very far apart and bulky and having a quiet cocktail/conversation was not easy unless you were prepared to speak loudly. There used to be a divider separating Maltings from the corridor, but it has since been removed and that makes the area less inviting because everyone is walking right past you -often in large numbers - on way to show/casino or the Magenta restaurant. Spinnaker - if nothing is going on up there, but usually something is. Occasionally Bliss, which has nice sitting areas and is close to the Grand Pacific, but that too is often put into service for activities. Best bet: the old Sky Bar, now the Sugarcane Mojito bar. Quiet and appropriate for conversation without loud Jimmy Buffet/ reggae music blasting. Also has a view. Best of luck!

If you have the time, could you give me some details about dropping off the luggage before parking in the non-port garage.

Did you drop off the luggage at the street level, or at the ramp Level?

Did the the porters immediately take your checked baggage, or did someone in your party stay with the luggage and wait until you returned from the garage?

Any details you can give would be appreciated. I'm trying to decide if I should drop off the luggage and park, or park and walk/taxi/Uber to the terminal with the luggage.

When I did it last I drove to the lower level and gave the porter my large bags and then drove to the garage and walked back a few blocks. Did the same when I parked at the terminal, but I had to exit and re-enter to get to upper deck. On return I have walked to the garage with my bags, but I have also had a family member wait at the curb while I got the car. If parking at the terminal a porter may take the luggage cart up with you.

Apologies; I may have given you the link for the Maasdam, which is also for sale. I believe the correct one is below. Regardless, you get the idea!

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1993/Cruise-Ship-1258-1605-Passengers---Stock-No.-S2043-3012360/Australia#.WG6O-FUrLbg

I have never been on the Koningsdam, but I would go on it sight unseen over the Veendam. The Veendam was old 10 years ago. It is a nice ship for getting into small and shallow ports. In Bermuda, for example, she can dock right on Front Street whereas larger vessels have to use the piers at Kings Wharf and take a ferry across. Beyond that, The V doesn't have much going for it anymore. It's not horrible or dirty, just dated and very limited in options, some by poor planning (casual dinning closes at 8 ?! - God forbid you want a cocktail after returning from the beach).

I have to believe that much of people's criticisms of the V have been corrected in the K, which is, admittedly, twice the size. As noted by a member above, it is likely that the V will not be with HAL in 2 years time. The vessel has been on the market for several years now with no buyers, but eventually she will end up in a lower market Indian or Med fleet.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1996/Modern-Cruise-Ship%2C-1350-Passengers--Stock-No.-S2163-2875802/United-States#.WG6MrFUrLbg

Why skip the winter coats? You can just shove them in your luggage once you are on board and they can stay there until you return to NYC, where, presumably, you will need/want them. As for other clothing, the first and last couple days will be in colder weather and something slightly warm would be advisable. And even in the Caribbean it might get a little chilly on deck at night when the ship is underway, and the air conditioning may be too much at times. You don't have to go overboard (no pun meant); I find a light fleece jacket or something similar to be perfect. I need lots of pockets so I usually wear a jacket to dinner and this takes care of the above.