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NCL Getaway - 7 Day Western Caribbean May-22

sanjeevoudit

By sanjeevoudit,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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sanjeevoudit

sanjeevoudit

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Hey guys, this is my first post, but I have been reading like crazy on the forums to get the best experience out of my second cruise with NCL.

 

Me and my GF went on the Norwegian Sky last year from Sep-7 to Sep-11 and it left from Miami and stopped off at Grand Bahama Island, Great Stirrup Cay, and Nassau. This was our first cruise together, we had a balcony room and got the UBP for free. We both had a good time -- not too many people, and with the UBP we had a great time (except for the 2 day hangover!).

 

Once we got back, my mom had a cruise voucher from the casino and her and my GF immediately booked it. They only had to pay around $700 for an inside room. However, I ended up switching jobs and I now have the flexibility to take that week off too. I just added myself onto the room, and had to pay an upgrade to go from an inside room to a balcony (~$700). However, from everyone's experience I have a few questions:

 

- We really loved the UBP when we went in Sep and I know all three of us would really enjoy it. The reps when I call, Casinos at Sea, are not budging on switching out the dining package since the UBP was not available at the time of booking. I have to cancel, pay cancellation fees (even though I have the Booksafe Travel Protection, weird) and rebook. Is this correct or can I speak to someone else to get it?

 

- Also where can I find good info on excursions that are not booked through NCL? We just don't want to pay 2x/3x more for something we can book now. Also, we LOVED the flexibility and relaxation on Great Stirrup Cay. It wasn't anyone to bug us, or force us to buy anything. Would the "Ports of Call" be a good start?

 

- We are worried that it would be way too crowded because of the size of the ship. Can anyone give their opinions on that as well? We have a balcony so we can hang out and drink in the room, but we did enjoy the parties -- not sure how it would be on the Getaway.

 

- Off the top of your head, any quick recommendations on what to do? My mom is not too much of an adventurous person and we don't want to split up. A tequila tasting and beach with unlimited drinks where me and my GF can snorkel and relax while my mom got drinks on the beach would be amazing.

 

Side note: my parents did a tasting at Cozumel years back, but they can't remember the name and they had a great time and got pretty buzzed, if anyone can comment on that, it would be great! Also, we definitely want to be safe while on the islands.

 

Here are the Ports of call:

Roatan

Belize City

Costa Maya

Cozumel

 

Thanks guys!!!

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tropical83

tropical83

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Hello, I'll be on the same cruise as you!

 

This is my first cruise with NCL so not sure the answer to some of your questions.

 

I do have some plans for the ports so I will share that with you.

 

Roatan - Maya Key (I believe this can only be booked through the cruise line) I think this would be a good option for your mom

 

Belize - thinking about going to Goff's Caye (not offered through the cruise line. I found information on it here https://belizecruiseexcursions.com/BelizeBeachSnorkeling.htm

 

Costa Maya - nothing planned, we will probably just hang around the port area, I believe they have a pool.

 

Cozumel - We are going to book the Cozumel Bar Hop. I've read plenty of reviews and it seems like an amazing time!

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tropical83

tropical83

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Yes I do have the UBP. :)

 

As for Maya Key, lunch is included but you have to purchase alcoholic drinks.

Maya Key has a beach, snorkeling, a pool, animal exhibits.

It is also only a quick 5 minute boat ride from the cruise ship.

 

Check out Maya Key on Trip advisor, there are a lot of pictures and reviews on there. I've also seen some really good reviews on this site as well!

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Sand and Seas

Sand and Seas

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If your room is booked by Casinos At Sea (CAS) you will get free drinks while playing in the casino. You can just walk up to the casino's bar to get a drink. They will scan your room card but we didn't sign anything and nothing showed on our bill. Casino player cards with the attached 'free drinks in casino' should be waiting in your cabin. The card covers many 'well' type cocktails, beers, and bottled water (great to take to beach). If you want more of a premium drink (in the casino) I believe they will just charge you the difference. You could call CAS and ask about that. You could check for more information under the Cruise Casino section of forums on this site.

 

And I also highly recommend Maya Key. One of our favorites that we have visited 4 or 5 times. Have fun!

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sanjeevoudit

sanjeevoudit

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If your room is booked by Casinos At Sea (CAS) you will get free drinks while playing in the casino. You can just walk up to the casino's bar to get a drink. They will scan your room card but we didn't sign anything and nothing showed on our bill. Casino player cards with the attached 'free drinks in casino' should be waiting in your cabin. The card covers many 'well' type cocktails, beers, and bottled water (great to take to beach). If you want more of a premium drink (in the casino) I believe they will just charge you the difference. You could call CAS and ask about that. You could check for more information under the Cruise Casino section of forums on this site.

 

And I also highly recommend Maya Key. One of our favorites that we have visited 4 or 5 times. Have fun!

 

I know, I read it quite a bit on the forums. However, since I'm the third person I won't get a card. I was trying to see if anyone could get the UBP cheaper or by just paying gratuity. I tried but they won't budge because of what the promos was when we booked it.

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sanjeevoudit

sanjeevoudit

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And I also highly recommend Maya Key. One of our favorites that we have visited 4 or 5 times. Have fun!

 

I showed my GF Little French Key last night. She LOVES it, however it is way to much money. But I think I just dug a hole for myself :(

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rollo89

rollo89

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I know, I read it quite a bit on the forums. However, since I'm the third person I won't get a card. I was trying to see if anyone could get the UBP cheaper or by just paying gratuity. I tried but they won't budge because of what the promos was when we booked it.

 

I booked through CAS with 3 people in the room and we ALL recv'd the casino drink card. This was on the Dawn in December.

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sanjeevoudit

sanjeevoudit

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I booked through CAS with 3 people in the room and we ALL recv'd the casino drink card. This was on the Dawn in December.

 

Hmm, I need to be a little more proactive here then.

 

Did you get a casino voucher on land like Harrahs, TR, or Hard Rock? Did they automatically give it to you or you had to ask?

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Sand and Seas

Sand and Seas

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I know, I read it quite a bit on the forums. However, since I'm the third person I won't get a card. I was trying to see if anyone could get the UBP cheaper or by just paying gratuity. I tried but they won't budge because of what the promos was when we booked it.

 

They have given it to three in a room before if all over 21. Perhaps it's up to the individual ship's casino as the hosts will be the ones sending the cards to your room. The casino wants to get you guys in there playing!

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sanjeevoudit

sanjeevoudit

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They have given it to three in a room before if all over 21. Perhaps it's up to the individual ship's casino as the hosts will be the ones sending the cards to your room. The casino wants to get you guys in there playing!

 

Think I should call the actual casino and ask and not the Casino at Seas?

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Sand and Seas

Sand and Seas

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Think I should call the actual casino and ask and not the Casino at Seas?

 

The casino that issued the certificate isn't involved past that. It's the onboard casino that prepares the drink cards. You could call the CAS land office, but it will really be up to the casino hosts on board.

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sanjeevoudit

sanjeevoudit

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The casino that issued the certificate isn't involved past that. It's the onboard casino that prepares the drink cards. You could call the CAS land office, but it will really be up to the casino hosts on board.

 

Okay, think I should wait when we are on board to have my mom ask? (shes the big player lol)

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Sand and Seas

Sand and Seas

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Okay, think I should wait when we are on board to have my mom ask? (shes the big player lol)

 

That sounds like a good plan! It's very possible the drink cards for all will be in the room. If not, have her talk to one of the casino hosts.....they want to please the VIP:D

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