My review of NCL GETAWAY from 02/22/14-03/01/14

Odesitka70 · March 3, 2014

My review of Ncl getaway 02/22/14-03/01/14.

A little info about us. We are parents of 3 in the early 40's, cruising this time without our children.

Day 1 Miami.

Embarkation was a breeze. We got to the port around 10:30 am and were number 2. They started boarding at 11:30. Once on board we first went to customer service desk to get vibe passes and were the first to get one. We got a cabana and it was the best decision we made. You pay $299 for 2 pp and get $100 to spend on food and drinks. Great start to a vacation. After that we walk the ship for a little bit. We were on Breakaway twice already and were familiar with the ship's layout. After that we went to Taste restaurant for lunch. I know they were suppose to have new menus but for lunch it was the same as BA. At around 1:00 pm they announced that the room's were ready. We had spa balcony on deck 14 forward. Beautiful room with Elemis product's in the bathroom. That was a nice surprise. After changing in the room and meeting our room steward we went to the spa. Got our sticker put on our room card and by 2:00 pm we were relaxing in the spa. Spa is the same as the BA SPA ,very nice. Spent a couple of hours in the spa and then went to vibe for a sail away. Also once on board we went to the box office and booked all of our shows for the week. No problem's there. Previously on other sailing's I pre booked everything. This time I decided not too and it wasn't a problem. They made an announcement about 20% off if you go to Illusionarium on the first day ,so we did that. For premium seating we payed $24.00 pp. The show was amazing. Highly recommended for everyone. We didn't really care for the food, but it wasn't bad. After the show we went to the casino and started making our donations. LOL. Stayed there for a couple of hours and went to sleep. And that was our first day. So far so good.

Day 2. At sea.

We were in the slot tournament and had to be in the casino by 9:00 am. It is a 3 day tournament so no results yet. At 10:00 am when we were done in the casino and went for breakfast at Taste restaurant. Again very nice. Once we were done we went to the room to change and went to Vibe. Since we had a cabana no worries to find a space. We pretty much used the same cabana the whole week. Guys at the bar were great. We already knew Sean from BA and it was nice to see him again. After spending a few hours there we went to the spa. To our surprise it wasn't really busy, plenty of chairs and even hot tile loungers were always available. For that night we had booked "Burn the Floor" for 7:30pm and Tepanyaki at 9:00pm. Beautiful show and great dinner. Then it was time to go check out the party. It was NORWEGIAN NIGHT OUT. Lots of fun. Then back to the casino to do more donations. And that was the end of day 2. No complains yet, only about casino being very busy and slot machines very tight.

Day 3 at sea.

Pretty much same as day 2. Slot tournament in the morning, breakfast this time we went to the buffet, Vibe, and spa. We had our Latitude party at 7:15 at H2O where we met the captain and other officers. It was great to see some that we already knew from other ships. Great time as always. It lasted about an hour. Cruise consultant Jorge made the announcement that in March a new itinerary will be out and that they will have something new. No shows were scheduled for that night, so we had diner at 8:30pm at la Cucina. Lovely as always. Then back to the casino. Still no luck. Went to bed early.

Day 4. St Marteen

Woke up at 8:00 am and went to breakfast in the buffet and by 9:00 am we were out on the pier. Once outside the pier we were approached by the lovely lady who offered us to go to Divi little bay resort for an hour presentation. In return they offered us free transportation to and from, a day at their property, $50.00 food credit to use in their restaurants $50.00 to shop in their stores, free wifi, free chairs and umbrella at the beach or by one of theirs pools. We thought it was well worth the 1 hour we had to give to them. No pressure to buy anything. On the way back we asked the driver to drop us off at Main st by the boardwalk. Did a little shopping, walked on the boardwalk along the shore, and took a water taxi back to the pier. It was $5.00 pp each way or $7.00 round trip. Then the usual, jacuzzi in Vibe then spa for a little bit of relaxation. Again for that night no shows were scheduled, but had dinner reserved at moderno. Also it was the night of 80's party with fireworks. Ncl didn't disappoint as usual. Great job by CD Julia and her staff. Again had a great time. Then back to the casino but yet no luck again. And that the end of day 4.

Day 5 St. Thomas

Woke up at 8:00 am went to breakfast at the buffet again and by 9:00 am we were out on the pier. We decided to just go to the beach. Took a taxi to Coki beach. $9.00 pp each way. Very nice. Lots of fish were in the water. So if snorkeling is your thing, then it's a great place to be. Free entrance to the beach, but they charge $5.00 per chair. Not bad at all. We stayed there until 1:00 pm then took one of their safari open Suv's back. Pretty cool. Driver made a stop at one of their observation places to take some pictures. Great photo op. Once dropped off by the pier we did a little more shopping and were back on the ship by 3:00 pm. And that my CC friends is where the fun begins. " drum roll please". We went to vibe again for the sail away. Everyone was supposed to be back by 3:30. You know how they always tell you to make sure to be back on time or the ship will leave without you. Well, in all our years of sailing for the first time ever we actually saw this happen. Between 3:45 and 4:00 there were 5 announcements made for a couple to check in with customer service. At exactly 4:01 the horn made its signal and we started to pull away. At that same time we saw 2 people desperately trying to get passed port security and screaming "our ship is leaving". But guess what, the Captain did not care and we just left them there to hopefully catch up to us at the next port. Good lesson for everyone to always be back on time. They WILL NOT wait. As bad as we felt for those folks, I have to admit, it was great entertainment. Now let's move on. For tonight we had " Legally Blonde" scheduled at 7:30 pm. Before the show we were a little skeptical about it, but to our surprise we enjoyed the show. Great cast and an hour and a half flew by quick. After the show we went to dinner at le Bistro. And again no disappointment there. Great as always. It's actually our favorite restaurant on NCL. After dinner back to the casino where it was so crowded that we couldn't even find a seat to play. So we decided to end the night early. And that's was the end of a day 5.

Day 6 at sea.

Back to the slot tournament we go. It's the last day to earn your points and 20 winners will be announced later that day. After my turn was over we went to have breakfast at O'Sheehans and to Vibe. For lunch we went to the Flamingo grill and to the spa later in the day to relax and get rejuvenated. When we got back to the room, we found a very nice surprise. It was a plate of chocolate covered strawberrys from our hotel director Sean. No shows for tonight. Dinner at Cagneys at 8:00 pm. Followed by the glow party at H2O at 10:00 pm. And if I thought CD Julia did a great job on BA, she did an even better job on GA. NCL is very lucky to have her. Great time with a huge crowd. And that's the end of day 6.

Day 7 Nassau

We docked at 12:00 pm, but the weather wasn't on our side. It was raining and kind of cold. So we took our time getting of the ship. There were 6 other ships in the same port with us. 2 Disney, 2 Carnaval, 1 Celebrity and something else very small. But non of them can compare to our beauty. The BIGGEST AND THE BRIGHTEST. Just love her! Since we've been to Nassau many times before, we decided to just walk on Bay st and did some shopping. By 3:00 pm we were back on the ship and the weather was still yucky. We took a walk on deck 16 to look at the other ships and take some pic. Stopped by the buffet for a quick lunch and went to the room to change. After that we went to the spa for the last time. Came back to our room around 6:00 pm and our balcony was right on top of the gangway. As usual Ncl didn't disappoint. They had a great welcome back party going on. None of the other ships had anything even close. Again love my Ncl! With music blasting outside we left our balcony door open and decided to start packing. Then we headed to the Tropicana room (MDR) to finally see it and have our dinner there. Its big and nice decor. The food was ok and service was nice and quick. Then back to the casino for our final night. And that was our day 7.

Day 8 disembarkation in Miami

We ordered breakfast in the room. Since we were not in a rush, we chose the last color to leave the ship. As long as you are out of your room by 9:00am, you can spend another couple of hours on board. By 9:00 am they called all color tags and asked that all passengers start to disembark. We were done with breakfast and headed to deck 7 to exit the ship. By 9:30 am we already picked up our luggage and were out on the street. Our flight wasn't until 10:00 pm, so we made arrangements to meet with our friends who live in Miami. They took us to Gulfstream casino and race track, and we had a wonderful time there. Had a nice brunch at the restaurant, watched some horse racing and even bet once and won. What a great way to end a vacation. Then they drove us around Miami to show us what's new been built since the last time we were there. And then they took us to the airport. And that's the end.

A couple of last minute thoughts.

Try to get to port as early as possible if you want to get vibe passes. They sell them out fast.

If you have iPhone, make sure to get iconcerge app. Makes your life and vacation so much better. You can see what's going on and where at any time. Book all of your restaurant reservations. View your onboard spending and so much more.

My conclusion.

We love it. Would def go back in a heart beat. In comparison to BA. We were on BA in July and it was over capacity, with 1800 kids on board. So there was a lot of waiting on line. And then again in January for 3 day CTN. This cruise it was only 3300 passengers total and not that many kids. No lines anywhere, we were always able to get reservations for show or diner without any problems. To our surprise, even though all the passes for vibe and spa were sold out in the first 2 hours, it was never busy and plenty of chairs available. The only place that was busy at all times, was the casino.

Please don't ask me about lobster in the MDR, since as you can see from my review we didn't go there and didn't care for it.

Other then that please feel free to ask me any questions and if I know the answer I'll be glad to answer you.

And now it's time to start counting months and days until we go back on BA in July again this time with kids.

Medtech2 · March 3, 2014

Thanks for your review! Glad you liked it--we head out in October....can't wait!

Rdtbank · March 3, 2014

I loved your review! I do have some questions though. Do you have pictures of your spa cabin? What number was it? Port or starboard? I hear portside has chairs instead if a couch. Was there any noise when trying to sleep? What food and drink can you buy with the cabana? Did you have total shade if you wanted? Since you had a lounge chair in the spa why did you want a cabana? My husband and I can't decide on the cabana. You didn't go to the comedy show or burn the floor? No desire or no time?

Thanks for the review and hopefully answering my questions.

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gelo7 · March 3, 2014

Excellent review, thanks, for sharing your thoughts.

meatball_nyc · March 3, 2014

Ditto. Excellent review!! Loved reading about someplace warm and sunny:)

We are aboard Breakaway this July as well!

Maybe we will be sailing same trip.

ETA: too bad about leaving that couple behind. Wonder if they ever made it.

Happy Cruising!!

~Robin

Norwegian Breakaway July 2014

Carnival Miracle 2010

Carnival Legend 2006

Edited March 3, 2014 by meatball_nyc

LrgPizza · March 3, 2014

Thanks for a great review! Just a couple questions... Regarding the $100 credit you received for reserving the cabana at Vibe - Is that an OBC? I read an old review that said it has to be spent on food or drink at Vibe (which we wouldn't do), but I'm thinking it might just be a regular onboard credit.

Also, would you say the slot tournament took about an hour each of the 3 days? I'd like to do this, but I don't want to hang out in the casino very long in the mornings.

I was once on a cruise when our ship left people at Cozumel who were running to the ship. Isn't that fun to watch? Haha! I have no sympathy. :D

david_sobe · March 3, 2014

Thanks for the review!

What night was lobster night?

Just kidding ;) Glad you had a fantastic cruise!

newmexicoNita · March 3, 2014

It is so good to see a positive review when a ship is brand new. Often it takes months to iron out the wrinkles.

arf2005 · March 3, 2014

Thanks for a great review! Just a couple questions... Regarding the $100 credit you received for reserving the cabana at Vibe - Is that an OBC? I read an old review that said it has to be spent on food or drink at Vibe (which we wouldn't do), but I'm thinking it might just be a regular onboard credit.

Also, would you say the slot tournament took about an hour each of the 3 days? I'd like to do this, but I don't want to hang out in the casino very long in the mornings.

I was once on a cruise when our ship left people at Cozumel who were running to the ship. Isn't that fun to watch? Haha! I have no sympathy. :D

This was a special tournament that was by invitation only. They have other slot tournaments you can participate in that take just a few minutes a day and if you qualify you usually come back another day.

wintersmybaby · March 3, 2014

Thanks for the review! Know you didn't have the kids on this trip, but since BA is so similar, could you tell me if any of the waterslides would be suitable for a 3 year old, either with a parent (if allowed) or with one waiting at the bottom? Assuming my almost 6 year old would be able to go on a few of them at least. Also, do you remember which side of the ship the fireworks went off? Would love to try to book the correct side of the ship since I will probably be confined to quarters with sleeping kiddos. TIA!

hpecorari · March 4, 2014

This was a special tournament that was by invitation only. They have other slot tournaments you can participate in that take just a few minutes a day and if you qualify you usually come back another day.

Nice Review. I've been on the BA last June and will be on the GA this May.

I have found that when they have 'invitation only' tournaments the Casino tends to be over crowded. At least that's been my observation whenever I've been invited.

Harriet

Edited March 4, 2014 by hpecorari

Odesitka70 · March 4, 2014

I loved your review! I do have some questions though. Do you have pictures of your spa cabin? What number was it? Port or starboard? I hear portside has chairs instead if a couch. Was there any noise when trying to sleep? What food and drink can you buy with the cabana? Did you have total shade if you wanted? Since you had a lounge chair in the spa why did you want a cabana? My husband and I can't decide on the cabana. You didn't go to the comedy show or burn the floor? No desire or no time?

Thanks for the review and hopefully answering my questions.

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Sorry it took a little longer to answer your questions. Had to ketch up on things at home. I have pic of the cabin, just need to figure out how to post them. Cabin 14124, port side, forward. We had a very nice couch in the cabin by the balcony. No noise at all. With $100 credit from vibe you can have food or drinks anywhere on the ship. Doesn't have to be just vibe. Unfortunately you don't have total shade in the cabana. When sun is upfront of you, there is no hiding from it. In regards of your question why we needed cabana. Cabana is outdoor in the vibe, and lounge chairs are indoor in the spa. Two totally different things. We did see burn the floor and it was amazing. We weren't to crazy about comedy on BA, and didn't even bother with it on GA. Hope that answers your questions.

Odesitka70 · March 4, 2014

Thanks for a great review! Just a couple questions... Regarding the $100 credit you received for reserving the cabana at Vibe - Is that an OBC? I read an old review that said it has to be spent on food or drink at Vibe (which we wouldn't do), but I'm thinking it might just be a regular onboard credit.

Also, would you say the slot tournament took about an hour each of the 3 days? I'd like to do this, but I don't want to hang out in the casino very long in the mornings.

I was once on a cruise when our ship left people at Cozumel who were running to the ship. Isn't that fun to watch? Haha! I have no sympathy. :D

$100.00 was shown on the onboard account as obc and you can use it anywhere for food or drinks, and not just at the vibe.

We were invited to play on a slot tournament for 3 days total. All took place on a sea days in the morning. Every day there was 12 rounds. So it did take about a hour.

As bad as we felt for the people that were left behind, I have to admit, it was a lot of fun.

Medtech2 · March 4, 2014

Thanks for the review! Know you didn't have the kids on this trip, but since BA is so similar, could you tell me if any of the waterslides would be suitable for a 3 year old, either with a parent (if allowed) or with one waiting at the bottom? Assuming my almost 6 year old would be able to go on a few of them at least. Also, do you remember which side of the ship the fireworks went off? Would love to try to book the correct side of the ship since I will probably be confined to quarters with sleeping kiddos. TIA!

I can help you here. No, these slides would not be suitable for a 3 year old. The drop slide has a height AND weight minimum, so probably not for the 6 year old either, but the other slide should be okay.

There is a nice kiddie area...

Oh, and fireworks usually on the port side aft

Edited March 4, 2014 by Medtech2

Odesitka70 · March 4, 2014

Thanks for the review! Know you didn't have the kids on this trip, but since BA is so similar, could you tell me if any of the waterslides would be suitable for a 3 year old, either with a parent (if allowed) or with one waiting at the bottom? Assuming my almost 6 year old would be able to go on a few of them at least. Also, do you remember which side of the ship the fireworks went off? Would love to try to book the correct side of the ship since I will probably be confined to quarters with sleeping kiddos. TIA!

In my opinion 3 year old is too small for the slides. They have hight restrictions. Not sure,but I think you have to be 5' tall. They have excellent pool and little slides and fountains in the kids area (outdoor). As soon as I figure out how to post pic, I'll do it. Took some great shots of the area. Both times our cabin was on port side and that's the side for fireworks. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Rdtbank · March 4, 2014

Sorry it took a little longer to answer your questions. Had to ketch up on things at home. I have pic of the cabin, just need to figure out how to post them. Cabin 14124, port side, forward. We had a very nice couch in the cabin by the balcony. No noise at all. With $100 credit from vibe you can have food or drinks anywhere on the ship. Doesn't have to be just vibe. Unfortunately you don't have total shade in the cabana. When sun is upfront of you, there is no hiding from it. In regards of your question why we needed cabana. Cabana is outdoor in the vibe, and lounge chairs are indoor in the spa. Two totally different things. We did see burn the floor and it was amazing. We weren't to crazy about comedy on BA, and didn't even bother with it on GA. Hope that answers your questions.

Thank you so much for answering my questions! Your cabin is the same one we are booked for on November 8! Did you eat on the balcony? They seem so small. NCL told me that cabin had the bed by the balcony. Could you see the fireworks from your balcony? Couldn't you get the Vibe passes using the iConceirge app on your phone? I look forward to seeing your pictures! I'm so excited about going I don't know how I can wait till November!

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Odesitka70 · March 4, 2014

Nice Review. I've been on the BA last June and will be on the GA this May.

I have found that when they have 'invitation only' tournaments the Casino tends to be over crowded. At least that's been my observation whenever I've been invited.

Harriet

Absolutely agree with you. We were invited by the cas, and it was a night me row every night at the casino. Difficult to find a place to play, never mind to play what you want. Gotta grab what's available.

Odesitka70 · March 4, 2014

Thank you so much for answering my questions! Your cabin is the same one we are booked for on November 8! Did you eat on the balcony? They seem so small. NCL told me that cabin had the bed by the balcony. Could you see the fireworks from your balcony? Couldn't you get the Vibe passes using the iConceirge app on your phone? I look forward to seeing your pictures! I'm so excited about going I don't know how I can wait till November!

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Cabin was very nice. You'll like it. No, we didn't eat on the balcony, but had coffe and smoked there. It was just enough for the 2 of us. Bed was in the middle of the room, and couch was by the balcony. You can see fireworks anywhere on port side, but we were upstairs at H2O with the rest of the crowed. It just more fun up there. The only way to get vibe passes is by going to customer services as soon as you enter the ship. But you can do whole lot of other thinks with iconceirge app. I know how you feel about waiting for your cruise. We now have to wait till July to go back. Love cruising.