salesmansam

We just returned from our Oct. 17th cruise on the Getaway. This will not be a long review as there are many of those. I just want to say that it was a fabulous time for all 9 of us in our party. Ages from 9 to 82!!

There was something for everyone. I truly believe that at least one of our group tried every offering, including eating at all pay restaurants except Ocean Blue. We did Legally Blonde and Burn the Floor and the Illusionarium. Some of us did Wine Lovers the Musical. Howl at the Moon and the Grammy Experience were attended. Did all the complimentary restaurants . I will say we only managed to visit 3 of the bars not including the Ice Bar which 6 of us did. Kids and some adults did the slides and ropes course To sum things up. It was a great cruise. Staff and crew are continually upbeat and making sure passengers are being taken care of. Our Meet and Mingle on the first 'at sea' day was great. Over 100 people. Our Cabin Crawl was super with the Penthouse Suite on 11 aft the highlight. The 'slot pull' on the second 'sea day' was attended by 30 and we had so much fun we had two rounds (Would have had three but time for other events was drawing near) A fun but little publicized event 'Wine Lovers the Musical' was both fun and educational. Our group won two of the trivia events winning such valuable prices as a deck of cards and a water bottle!!!! One other little known deal is the hard bound book you put together with your many photos taken by the staff throughout the cruise. You can include up to 35 pictures and receive them in a hard cover book. First book $100. and the second book $50. A great way to relive the 7 days. We didn't do the Vibe, but several people we met on the cruise did, and seemed to enjoy the experience. I guess the one thing that sums up our trip, we purchased cruise credits in order to take another NCL cruise within the next 4 years. Can't wait. :)

Nola26, thanks for the quick response. Sounds like the book is a great keepsake. Did you pre-purchase the photo book or did you make that choice once on board? Where did you buy it? Photo gallery area? Service desk? Thanks again. :cool:

Back to your info on the photo book. Were there instructions on how to end up with 33 photos. My info shows that you only get 10 or 11 photos, but you indicated that you replaced the stock photos with your own. Any issues? Sounds like a deal compared to cost for individual pics. Thanks again for helpful review. :)

Very nice review. We are sailing the Getaway in the middle of October. Also doing the Virgin Gordo excursion thru NCL. sounds great. Our grandkids aged 9, 14 and 17 will be with us, so was glad to hear about your nephew's experiences. thanks. ;)

On my recent cruises I usually find my guides and excursions thru independent sources rather than thru the cruise line. I have had great experiences as well as saving money and running on my own schedule. I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for independent guides or excursions for Tortola or St. Thomas.

Thanks for all the information above. Since we are signed for the Ultimate dining Package, if we make advance reservations will I be charged the full amount or will the 25% discount be refunded later, or should I just wait until we are on board to make the reservation?

What is the difference between the Unlimited Dining Plan and Speciality Dining Plan? It sounds like there is still a discount if a person has one of these plans. Anyone explain? Also, is the discount only on day one or on any day?

I am wondering if the show Illusionarium on the Getaway is still free to those with the Unlimited Dining Plan who will be attending the first night performances. I have read several times on Cruise Critic that it was free with the UDP if going on the first day of the cruise. I have tried to talk with some NCL cruise consultants about this but they seem to be in the dark about the process. can anyone who has recently sailed on the Getaway give me an update?

Thanks for the informative review. We sail in October and was glad to hear about Tortola. Was interested in the Illusionarium and wondered if you heard any talk about the show being included in the Ultimate Dining Plan on the first night? Glad to hear you enjoyed the flamingo grill as I plan on giving it a try.

Good news on the Noodle bar.

Seems to receive positive comments

whenever food is discussed. I also

read where they are testing a flat service

fee of 4.95 on room service orders.

Doesn't matter what or how much is

ordered, the fee is the same. Really doesn't

Bother me as I like to go to the all night

venue late in the evening.

Thanks for a review that focuses on the positive. We sailed previously on the Breakaway and was worried after reading some of the reviews. We had an absolutely great time and approached it much like you did. We are set to sail the Getaway in October and I find reading newer reviews just whets the appetite for our cruise to come. Thanks again.

Even though we've sailed the Breakaway and scheduled for the Getaway in October it is great to get a refresher course by reading your review and summary. I think half the fun of a cruise (or any vacation) is the anticipation in the preceding months. Your detailed review and personal likes and findings bring back fond memories. This time we are bringing the grandkids and are anxious for them to enjoy as much as possible. We are doing the UDP so all of us will be able to try the various venues. Thanks again. ps: I'm making notes so I will have my 'game plan' ready!!

We have the UDP scheduled. Since the Illusionarium show on the first night is free for those with the dining plan, will we be charged when we make an advance reservation. We plan to pre schedule

several of our meals, but wondered how they handle the Illusion show charges for the first night for those of us with the dining plan. Thanks

Really enjoying your review. We did the Breakaway 18 months ago and will sail the Getaway in October. Glad to know about the first night being free for the Illusion show. Also appreciate your thought on doubling up on Cagney's or Le Bistro rather than doing Cucina. We have the UDP scheduled so want to try as much as we can, but don't want to waste a precious evening on less than outstanding meals. Thanks again.

What a great review. After reading yours and trying to finish Gambees I should be well prepared for our Sept 1st sailing. You mentioned the island tour. Did you schedule on board or aafter you reached the island. Also, did you notice whether any oif the venues had and news or sports on t.v. (espn, etc.). Thanks again, your review was to the point and very informative. Sam in Kentucky

I've been wondering about tours as well. We sail

Sept 1st. Perhaps more info as I read on.

The chart is a great help. I changed from a MB cabin to an M6. The larger balcony was certainly worth the few extra dollars. thanks