jamandamom

Review of cruise- Getaway Feb 7-14, 2015

First have to say that we booked this cruise just one month before we cruised. Usually like to book a vacation several months out so I can research things ahead of trip. Did not have that luxury this time, so I had to rely on NCL for more help without doing research ahead of time.

Hotel reservations were made through NCL for the Marriott Courtyard South Beach with transfer to the port from the hotel. I had asked before the trip what time we would be picked up to arrive at the port. This was important to us since we had wanted to get the “Vibe” passes. Was told that I would receive a letter at the hotel with all information. Flew into Fort Lauderdale and took a shuttle to Miami Beach. Nice hotel- room booked by NCL was a city view 2 double. Marriott card upgraded us to King w/balcony ocean view! (Thank you Marriott). When we arrived at the hotel we were given the envelope from NCL with information about hotel stay and transfer. Was surprised to see that our transfer would be at the hotel to pick us up at 12 noon. Well that wasn’t going to happen, I had told NCL that I wanted to be at the port as early as possible to get passes to the “Vibe” since they sold out early.

Stayed the night, got up early and DH and I took a sunrise walk on the beach. What a great way to start our vacation.

Got a cab to take us to the port around 10 am. We were glad that we did. There was a lot of traffic due to there being some cycling event of something.

Got to the port and were able to check in easily. We were boarding group #7. Headed straight to customer service on the ship and the people in line in front of us got the last 2 VIBE passes- Such a let down. We were put on a “waiting list” so see if any passes opened up. Met up with some friends then off to schedule for Legally Blonde, Comedy Club, and Illusionarium. Was almost 1:30 at this point so we decided to get lunch as the rooms weren’t ready yet.

Went to lunch at O’Sheehan’s. I know there are some who rave about this place and the menu- I wasn’t impressed. Great to observe what is happening on the stage in the atrium, but not my cup of tea for dining.

Walked around the ship for awhile, around 3:00 we found out the rooms were opened-but walking around outside- we never heard an announcement.

We had a BC category- aft balcony- room 10886. Everything you read about a very small disappointing balcony is 100% true. Just room enough for 2 chairs and a little table. Even awkward to stand on the balcony together and just look out with the chairs.

Off to Tropicana room for boat drill. It amazes me how people just walk in late and then sit down and start talking. I know many of us have heard this speech before, but it is required of all, and believe it or not Princess- there are some people who have never heard the information before.

Up to Spice for Sail away party and let the party begin. Time to kick back, relax and release all cares for a week!!

Back to room to unpack, met our room steward- Oliver. Such a nice young man. He truly went above and beyond to make us feel special.

Had a voice mail that there was an opening in the VIBE and if we wanted we could go back to customer service and pick up passes. Ran down and were able to purchase 2 passes.

Met friends and went to the café or dinner. A very nice selection of food and many different styles to choose.

Went to the casino for a while then decided to take a late night dip in the hot tub up in VIBE. Not a good decision. Very windy and cold. Water in the hot tub was colder than bath water. Tried to stay but after our robes blew into the hot tub and got wet- we decided to just go to bed and try again tomorrow.

Day 2-

Sea day- had breakfast at the café complete with mimosa’s. (Yes we had the UBP). Went to our CC Meet & Greet and had a great time. Even Sponge Bob came to visit and we all got to do the Twist together. The Roll Call organizers and NCL made it a very memorable event. The gift exchange was great and the cabin crawl afterwards was a great experience. However I think it has ruined us as to what type of room we will have from now on.

Had read somewhere that the café had lobster on the first sea day- so since that was what I really wanted we headed to the café for dinner. NOPE no lobsters. Dinner was nice and again a wide variety to choose from. Went to Levity comedy with Pete. Pretty funny, opening act had me rolling. Spent some time in the casino, getting pictures done since I love to scrapbook and we wanted to have some different portraits of us (still not happy with this experience- but will explain this later.) Then some time at the casino.

Day 3-

Sea day- Attempted to go to the VIBE again. So very windy that not an enjoyable experience. Such a waste of money! There is no real wind block for this area. I laid out in the sun on a sun chair for awhile. People in the hot tub were complaining that the wind was so windy that the water was not really able to get warm.

Did some shopping, took a nap, and read my book. A day to just relax and enjoy life.

We went to the illusionarium for dinner. Cute show! The shrimp is to DIE for. This is also the only restaurant that serves the shrimp prepared this way. Trust me I asked!

Went to the 70’s Disco Groove- was fun, but don’t expect any rock and roll. I guess NCL didn’t get the memo that disco died- but Rock and Roll lives on! LOL

Day 4-

St Maarten-

Day at Maho beach. Booked the excursion through NCL. I have been back and forth on booking through NCL and doing excursions on my own. Since it is just the two of us I look at it as an insurance policy to getting me back to the ship and it still being there.

Maho beach was great! It was fun watching the planes and enjoyed time at the Sunset Beach Bar. I had found ahead of time about the beach bar and web cam. Our daughter was home from work that day so I sent her a message and then went and stood where she could see me on the web cam. For us it was fun. She videotaped the web cam wave and put it on FB.

Back to port- did some shopping then back on board. It was great to come back to NCL and having the party going on on the pier. We were the only ship greeted that way and it is a nice touch!

Dinner at 6:00 at Le Bistro for our anniversary dinner. I ordered the French Onion Soup and found it to be a little salty. Told our waiter “Mehershad” and over came the Maitre'd. Both were very apologetic and wanted to know what they could do. Explained the soup was edible but a little saltier than I would like- just wanted them to be aware in case others complained. A few minutes later they brought another bowl for me to try- They had called the head chef and he modified the soup. Much better!!

After dinner- casino, pictures then back to room to change for the 80’s deck party. Again a lot of fun- but still missing the rock and roll hair bands of the 80’s! Stayed for the fireworks display and it was nice to see.

More to come later. . .

I am interested in what you decide. My daughter is looking for a RCI wedding cruise and we are thinking of the Coco cay option. Would love to know what you decide and pictures as well!

Thanks-

Lisa