Just off GETAWAY-my Mythbuster prelim!

[Annmeat]

WE arrived home last night from a week aboard my favorite ship!

 

I will write a true review later this week, but wanted to share a few tidbits in order to dispel some rumors and clarify some other STUFF.

 

We had previously stayed in the H4 in the Haven proper. This trip we chose a forward facing penthouse with connecting BD. We had the AI package for the suite, the kids had the UDP, OBC and UBP. Because the cabins were connected and only because they are related to us minors, the kids were included in all Haven benefits. We had this in writing prior to boarding

 

UDP:

The restaurants that filled up quickly were Cagneys and LeBistro. There were ALWAYS late openings in both-9:30 ish. Despite the UDP, we only ate in LeBistro and Moderno. It was very easy to change reservation times, cancel, make reservations WITHOUT using the concierge. There were stations set ups around the ship for dining appointments as well a s a section of guest services devoted solely to dining.

 

We had no gratuity added on top of the bill. At the a la carte venues ( Ocean Blue and the like) the discount was automatically taken off the bill. Only one person in our party had to show a card .

 

UBP

 

As usual, the kids seemed to be ignored at all the bars except the Haven bar. Nothing new here. We adults had no problem getting a drink rapidly and anywhere. We also were able to get drinks for the whole family using just one card. The only issues I had, and it took 3 days to resolve, was ordering the dreaded DRINK THAT COSTS OVER $11:00 !

 

The wait staff are very pleasant and will inform you that the drink is over 11 bucks so you will be charged only the difference in price. I guess I learned the old math, cuz all 3 times I ordered the over 11 dollar beverage, I was charged the full-rate plus some arbitrary figure! Once it was 27 dollars, another time 15.96 and then the third 14.95.

 

A trip to the only unpleasant employee aboard almost fixed the issue- my GAWD! I know she is probably stressed, but the lady at the On Board Credit desk is a curt little gal! The second day I visited she went from "curt" to "rude". After I mentioned this to someone, the third day she was "sweet". ( I didn't visit 3 times about the drink bill. Our entire invoice was screwed up from the moment we boarded-long story with MULTIPLE explanations as to why our non-refundable OBC was not being used-ever!! And the amount was 287.33. It was un-related to the AI , just a glitch that kept showing up. )

 

I got off topic-sorry- the UDP was great. We did sign one receipt after each ENTIRE drinking episode, but even at the final bill you will not see each beverage listed and zeroed out. I am sure that this saves several reams of paper daily for NCL. The only time a drink shows up is if you leave an extra gratuity, and then only THAT figure is posted. With the exception of my 27 dollar Peartastic martini.....

 

SAD EMPLOYEES moping about? NO WAY!! With the exception of OBC Lady, we never, ever ever, not once encountered anything but smiling, polite, singing, fun, joyful staff. It was as though we were secretly being filmed for an NCL promo video!

 

a WARNING ABOUT iCONCIERGE- double check with a human when you make Headliners comedy reservations. We made 3 and they all showed up as the wrong time AND with the wrong comedian! I'll talk about this later, but it was a real PIA . Even though we did make the reservations in person, the APP lists them incorrectly at times. This is not a secret to the staff, and Adrien and his co-concierge ( her name escapes me-she was wonderful!) .

 

Last summer I mentioned that JC Sanchez was the first CD who I ever remembered. He has been completely blown away by Joel Sanchez( pronounced Joe-EL). He and his staff -Omar, Paul Newman and Jose ere top notch, not annoying or crude, genuinely funny and very approachable.The game shows were an absolute hoot- and I am NOT just saying that because my daughter Daphne and I were the winners of "Who's the Boss"! Well, it ain't Buddy Vilastro anymore..you know- Cake Boss?

 

With the AI we had a 200 dollar excursion credit and we took one at each port. All 3 were SPECTACULAR. Best three that we have taken. More later.

 

FOOD-

Haven- cannot compare. The best.

Taste and Savor- my daughter is a foodie and insisted that we try them . She was right! Excellent everything almost.

 

ROOM SERVICE- we saw tons of room service being delivered to non-suites. I saw EXACTLY ONE wine glass in the hall. No plates strewn about

 

O'Sheehans gladly took take out orders, even at 3am. They evenwrapped your plates nicely for you.

 

The casino was rocking and loooooooooose- play the buffalo machines. I FINALLY, light weight gambler that I am , was approached by the casino manager and given my very-own card that got m free drinks in the casino!! But , Annmeat- you had the UDP? Why did you need a casino card?

 

BECAUSE THEY GIVE YOU BOTTLED Water AND RED BULL! ANd- I felt special having the extra card dangling from my machines. Even an old broad like me needs a LITTLE cool factor!

 

Hoowl at the Moon- our favorite thing! And the hunky Brandon Kent was back on this trip with us. The talent this cruise was over the top.

 

 

 

LAUNDRY SPECIAL- it has gone DOWN in price to 19.95, we got a bag free and then were only charged 14.95. No gratuity was added, AND- the bags came on Tuesday and said the stuff would be back Thursday evening. It was waiting for us when we returned from Virgin Gorda on Wed afternoon.

 

Debarkation at ports was simple as was final debarkation. I have a good tip for you later.

 

This was an EPIC vacation- absolutely top-notch service, noon of the whining and misc crap and conjecture that has been bandied about.

 

 

My least-favorite saying is "Nickel and Diming". No. This is garbage talk. All items that are not included are spelled out BEFORE you board the ship.

 

If you have any questions before my r review, let them rip!

 

To suite cruisers- no more booze drinks of any kind on embarkation day. While we did have theUDP, being handed that glass of rum punch or psuedo-champagne was nice touch.

 

HOWEVER- while not included in the UDP, NCL and Vueve Cliquot have teamed up and for 6 bucks you can get a glass of the good stuff. yummmmm!

 

 

 

So much more to tell- the FF penthouse with connecting BD BLOWS AWAY the H4.

 

Have a great evening!

 

 

Annmeat

[KaralotStables]

perfect timing for this review. We will be in a FF PH

next GA sailing.

[gwsster]

GREAT review, you covered so much in a short space. I can't wait for our upcoming cruise on the Gem. Thank you for taking the time to post.

[MandyMommyof2]

Thank you so much for this review!! Couldn't have came at a better time as we sail in less than 2 weeks!! In your detailed report, will you be discussing your port visits/excusions and what you and your family ate in the restaurant? :)

[NayRN]

Can't wait to read more!! I'll be in a forward PH on the Getaway in exactly 89 days!! :D

[mom23krzkidz]

Thanks for the review...looking forward to hearing more. We are looking forward to our trip in December on Getaway:)

 

Unfortunately no suite for us, it's just too pricey for the New Years Eve cruise. We are in a large balcony and the kids are in an inside.

Edited June 21, 2015 by mom23krzkidz

[Poop_Deck]

I'm hooked! We are in an Aft-Facing Penthouse this fall (104 days to be exact[emoji6]). Can't wait to hear more!! Thanks for taking the time to review!

[Sand and Seas]

Can't wait to read more! This is one of our favorite ships and we are going for the 3rd time in August:D

[LrgPizza]

I loved your last review, and I look forward to this. I love your attitude.