A "Havenly" experience on the Getaway - May 23rd Review

[thirdeastshak3]

Below is the review I just submitted to Cruise Critic. We were on the May 23rd sailing from Miami. Any questions, just ask!

 

Just a little background, this is our 3rd cruise with Norwegian, but the first with the whole family. This cruise it was myself and my wife along with our 3 kids, ages 10, 8, and 6. We decided on this itinerary mainly because it offered some other opportunities besides laying on a beach (which is just not our thing). At the time of booking (about a year ago) we originally booked an oceanview family suite. However, about a week later NCL notified me of an upgrade opportunity to the Haven two bedroom family suite, which we decided to go with.

Now onto the review:

 

Embarkation:

 

We stayed overnight in Miami and arrived at the port at about 11:00 AM on Sunday morning. The line to get through security was very short and then we were immediately led to the Haven priority check in lounge. The check in process was very easy and we were done within 15 minutes. We were then led across the hall to a separate lounge where there were drinks and snacks. We waited there less than 10 minutes before someone led our group through the main terminal and to the upstairs waiting area. We waited in a separate comfy area for another 10-15 minutes and then we were led onto the ship. So all in all, it was probably 30-40 minutes of check in and waiting. I really have no idea how long the wait was for non-priority, but the waiting areas were packed with people.

We were led to Haven and introduced to our concierge Virginia (more on her later). We were given a brief description of the Haven and what to expect and then given options for what to do until our room was ready. We decided to enroll the kids in Splash Academy since enrollment had just started at noon. We were glad we did. The line for enrollment was beginning to get very long as we were finishing. We then had lunch in the Haven restaurant and by the time we were done lunch, our room was ready. Overall, a very smooth embarkation process.

 

The Cabin and The Haven:

 

Let me preface this by saying that I personally don't believe anyone is automatically entitled to anything in life. I believe people work hard for things and then decide where they want to spend their money. In saying that, we decided to upgrade to the Haven and found the money well worth spent.

We were in cabin 16112 which is a 2 bedroom family suite just outside the Haven courtyard. We absolutely loved the room. My oldest daughter, 10, used the pull out couch in the main living area as her "bedroom" which was nice for her with the extra room and her own tv. My youngest daughter and son slept in the bunk beds in the first bathroom. That room is a little cramped (I wouldn't be comfortable in there as an adult), but it was great for the kids and they had their own bathroom with a sink, toliet, and shower. The master bedroom for the wife and i was great. The bed is the most comfortable we've ever slept on (we actually found the company in Europe that makes the mattresses for NCL's Haven). The closet and drawer space is way more than any other ship or stateroom I've been in. The master bathroom is well laid out and roomy with two sinks, toliet, shower, and a tub. The balcony was a decent size, but only had two regular chairs and a table, no room from a lounge chair like I was used to on the Jade and Star in the suites. My only minor complaint about the room was that the dining table was fairly small and seated four (which was still pushing it). When we ordered in breakfast several mornings, we had the kids at the table and my wife and I on the couch using the coffee table in front of the tv.

The Haven itself is gorgeous and well laid out. It was nice having a room near the courtyard, bar, and restaurant and noise was never an issue. In fact, we talked about it several times and decided most of the time when you're walking in the halls of the Haven, you'd think you have the whole place to yourself. The courtyard area is well laid out and there are always plenty of places to sit either in the main courtyard or on the sundeck. My only comment here was that it did get load in this area with some of the younger kids playing in the pool. This is not a jab at parenting (I wouldn't want someone telling me how to raise my kids), but there were several younger kids who we almost everyday in there without parents around and pretty much doing what they want (in the hot tubs, running, bringing empty cups into the pool). The Haven lounge area and bar is well laid out. There are plenty of places to sit and there is an interactive table/tv that allows you to swipe your room key card and see any photos taken. The bartenders really get to know you and we never had to wait for a drink. The Haven restaurant is also well laid out and wonderful (more on that later), and we never had to wait more than a couple minutes for a table.

 

The Getaway:

 

This was our first time on a mega-ship. We have been on the Jade and the Star which are alot smaller. We were never overwhelmed, but overall we didn't like the flow or the layout of the ship. Just one example is how they decided to put the casino basically in the middle of the atrium. Just poor placement, but maybe that's because I'm not a big casino person. Even though there were 4000 on board, we never felt any of the areas were overly crowded, except for the adult pool on the outer deck. That always just looked like people soup. The ship is very easy to get around, inside or out, and there was always something to do. We're a pretty active family so we took advantage of the many happenings on the ship. We participated in trivia (which we won the first night!), game challenges, and also took advantage of all the outdoor activities. The mini golf course was short but fun, the rock climbing wall and ropes course were awesome (just make sure to start getting in line about 10 minutes before it's scheduled to open), and the waterslides and kids aqua park were very fun as well. We were definitely never bored on the ship. The activities were run very well and there was a good variety of activities, some directed towards families, some directed towards just adults. There were plenty of places to get something to eat or drink although having the Garden Cafe on deck 15 right outside the pool area creates some heavy traffic through there and alot of empty plates sitting around.

 

Dining and Bars:

 

Since we were staying in the Haven we did have access to the Haven restaurant and bar as well as having the ultimate beverage package and ultimate dining package because of when we booked.

The Haven restaurant was most of the time very good. The only meal I had there that didn't do it for me was the surf and turf. It wasn't a good cut of filet and the lobster was overdone. Other than that, our meals in the Haven were wonderful. Breakfast was always good with a fruit and meat bar set up as well. Lunch and dinner were also very good with the same set menus. Our kids enjoyed trying some things they normally wouldn't get at home such as duck and full steamed lobsters. The service was impeccable in the restaurant. Our favorite waiter was Paulo. He served us almost everyday and got to know my family very well especially with our gluten allergies. The Haven bar was also well tended and we got to the know the bartenders there very well. Drinks were made promptly and were always well made.

We ate at Moderno's 3 times during the week. We absolutely love this restaurant. It's also easy to eat here with our food allergies. The staff is awesome at Moderno's. We got to know several of the waiters and the manager of the restaurant, Scott. Everyone was very friendly and the food was wonderful.

We ate at Le Bistro 1 night, just the wife and I. We are actually disappointed with this meal, especially because we enjoyed Le Bistro on other ships. The service was just okay, and I found only my appetizer of escargot was to my liking. Even the chocolate fondue was disappointing.

We visited the bar at La Cucina several times because we got to know the bartender, Desarri, very well. We happened to stop in for a drink on the way to a show one evening and enjoyed talking with her so much, we went back several times just to hang out with her. We also enjoyed appetizers here and the food was good as well as the presentation.

Overall, we enjoyed the food and drinks onboard and everyone catered to our allergies and everyone was very talkative and fun with our kids as well.

 

Entertainment:

 

While on board we took advantage of seeing two shows, Burn the Floor and Illusionarium.

My wife, oldest daughter, and I went to see Burn the Floor and we all very much enjoyed it. It's a great dance show with wonderful costumes and music. I would definitely recommend catching this show. It is very sensual and sexy though so I would be weary with the age of children you take. I was comfortable with my 10 year old being there, but I would not have wanted my 6 year old there.

My wife and I had floor seating reservations for Illusionarium. The show itself was awesome, the food not so much. The problem with the food is that it's a set menu of steak and shrimp, but they don't ask you how you want your steak done. Now for someone like me who's very picky with my steak temperature, that didn't work out so well because the steaks were all cooked medium well. So the actually dinner, we didn't really enjoy. But the show if phenomenal. It has a great plot, great magic, and is very entertaining. I would definitely recommend it. Also, make sure to catch the Masters of Magic panel talk which usually takes place in the Atrium on the last sea day. That was a fun Q/A with the magicians, especially having already seen the show.

 

Service and the Employees:

 

This had always been one of our favorite things about sailing with NCL is getting to know the employees and engaging with them. They have always provided exemplary customer service and always seem to go out of our way. Here are some standouts:

Our butler in the Haven was Rex. He was great and did a good job and catered to our requests. He was always very professional and timely with our requests. Our concierge in the Haven was Virginia and she was probably the best concierge we've had out of our 3 cruises. She was always around, she was great with the kids, and she handled all our requests promptly, even the ones that were sometimes last minute. Our steward was Christian and he was also fun to meet up with in the hallways and always chatted with our kids about how things were going. He was great with our room and the kids loved all the towel animals. I've already told you about Paulo, who was our favorite waiter in the Haven restaurant. He was probably our favorite employee on the ship. Overall, the service pretty much everyone we went was wonderful.

 

Splash Academy:

 

The kids went to splash academy/kids club several evenings on the ship. Their first experience with it on the first sea day wasn't all that good, but I think that's because they didn't like the theme that night which was Hollywood Night. After that though, we literally had to drag them away from kids club some nights. The check in and check out process for the kids was very easy and the staff there was very pleasant and easy to work with. The different themes they had each night were very cute and all 3 of my kids had a good time.

 

Ports and Shore Excursions:

 

So I'm not going to spend alot of time on this area because overall this cruise confirmed that my family is really not a Caribbean itinerary type. No offense to anyone who loves going back to that area again and again. It's just not for us. We definitely enjoyed each day in port and have some great memories, but no need for us to go back to this area. All of our shore excursions were done through private companies, so I cannot rate any of the NCL shore excursions. But to give you an idea of what we chose, here is what we did:

 

Roatan, Honduras: Rainforest horseback riding, monkey conversatory, and beach club

Costa Maya: Mayan ruins and a visit to a Mayan village for lunch and activities

Belize: Zip Lining and Cave Tubing

Cozumel: Snorkeling and a tour of the island

 

None of the ports really blew us away as oppose to other areas we've been to, but i know that the Caribbean is just a very different mindset and area.

 

Overall a very good experience onboard the Getaway. The family had a great time and is once again solidified why we continue to sail on Norwegian. The Haven was definitely worth the extra money for us. I think in the future we will choose a different itinerary and perhaps go back to a smaller ship.

[Kfamilycruise]

Thanks so much for the comprehensive review! We are so excited to be in Haven on the Getaway leaving the 12th!

 

Quick question about registering at Splash Academy. So you would recommend, going up to hear concierge speak and then head over to register and then eat lunch?

 

We don't want to be stuck in that long line waiting to register for sure.

[thirdeastshak3]

Thanks so much for the comprehensive review! We are so excited to be in Haven on the Getaway leaving the 12th!

 

Quick question about registering at Splash Academy. So you would recommend, going up to hear concierge speak and then head over to register and then eat lunch?

 

We don't want to be stuck in that long line waiting to register for sure.

 

Definitely what I would recommend. According to the schedule given to us, enrollment went from noon to 3, and then again from 6-9 that night. We went and got there right at noon and sat right down with an employee from the splash academy. Registration took about 10 minutes. By the time we were done, there were about 6-7 families in line waiting to register.

[macanudo23]

I agree, Virginia was amazing and sooooo nice and so was her assistant! We had Paulo helping our main waitress Liza who I just loved and we would wait for her every breakfast and the 3 times I had dinner there. Benny was our Butler as I too stayed in a 2 bedroom villa 15104 but it was just me and my partner and he was awesome....I swear I dont think butlers sleep! they work so hard to please and he was well compensated for his hard work. my room steward was eh....not impressed. even tipping him he didnt really do much in terms of cleaning. floors not being vacuumed, forgetting to bring pool towels or one day actual towels, put dirty cups back by the lavazza machine and put the cover back on it with old liquid in it lol. I am def not a complainer and very laid back but it was kind of annoying especially for what you pay for. but everyone else was awesome. Glad you and the family enjoyed the trip.

[Vicki'sMom]

Great review! We, too, have only cruised on the smaller NCL ships. We had Getaway booked (an H6) in 2014 only to cancel. We're doing it this time (again, an H6!) and the reviews have really helped prepare us!

 

Do you happen to know if Virginia will be on the ship for awhile? When we last cruised - Dawn, October 2015 - she was our Concierge and we're hoping we will see her again! :D I know Dawn is in drydock now -- did she happen to mention that she would be returning to Dawn soon?

 

I find the Dawn and Jewel classes to be the perfect size ship for us, but we are cruising with a couple we adore -- plus our youngest daughter and her fiance -- so this will be an awesome cruise no matter what! ;)

[thirdeastshak3]

I agree, Virginia was amazing and sooooo nice and so was her assistant! We had Paulo helping our main waitress Liza who I just loved and we would wait for her every breakfast and the 3 times I had dinner there. Benny was our Butler as I too stayed in a 2 bedroom villa 15104 but it was just me and my partner and he was awesome....I swear I dont think butlers sleep! they work so hard to please and he was well compensated for his hard work. my room steward was eh....not impressed. even tipping him he didnt really do much in terms of cleaning. floors not being vacuumed, forgetting to bring pool towels or one day actual towels, put dirty cups back by the lavazza machine and put the cover back on it with old liquid in it lol. I am def not a complainer and very laid back but it was kind of annoying especially for what you pay for. but everyone else was awesome. Glad you and the family enjoyed the trip.

 

Sorry to hear about the poor steward service. That can be a big downer. Glad you enjoyed the Haven and the cruise as well.

[thirdeastshak3]

Great review! We' date=' too, have only cruised on the smaller NCL ships. We had Getaway booked (an H6) in 2014 only to cancel. We're doing it this time (again, an H6!) and the reviews have really helped prepare us!

 

Do you happen to know if Virginia will be on the ship for awhile? When we last cruised - Dawn, October 2015 - she was our Concierge and we're hoping we will see her again! :D I know Dawn is in drydock now -- did she happen to mention that she would be returning to Dawn soon?

 

I find the Dawn and Jewel classes to be the perfect size ship for us, but we are cruising with a couple we adore -- plus our youngest daughter and her fiance -- so this will be an awesome cruise no matter what! ;)[/quote']

 

If I remember right I believe Virginia said she had 4 months left, but I might be confusing that with someone else. We spoke to so many employees and liked getting to know them and their history with NCL.

You guys will have a blast on your cruise!

[Vicki'sMom]

If I remember right I believe Virginia said she had 4 months left, but I might be confusing that with someone else. We spoke to so many employees and liked getting to know them and their history with NCL.

You guys will have a blast on your cruise!

 

Thanks! We are so excited -- and even more so if we happen to see Virginia again! ;)

[macanudo23]

If I remember right I believe Virginia said she had 4 months left, but I might be confusing that with someone else. We spoke to so many employees and liked getting to know them and their history with NCL.

You guys will have a blast on your cruise!

 

Virginia just started her new contract May 8th.....She was back home for 4 months. She told me that her new contract is for both the Getaway and Breakaway....so they will be moving her back and fourth she said. she is excited for the Getaway as a floating hotel for the Olympics but she said they might send her to the Breakaway by that time.

[thirdeastshak3]

Virginia just started her new contract May 8th.....She was back home for 4 months. She told me that her new contract is for both the Getaway and Breakaway....so they will be moving her back and fourth she said. she is excited for the Getaway as a floating hotel for the Olympics but she said they might send her to the Breakaway by that time.

 

I figured I might get it confused with someone else.

Thanks for the clarification.

[browniegirl]

Great review, thank you! Has anyone styed in the Haven aft penthouse suites and yet still fully enjoyed the amenities in the haven itself? We are booked in one in October and have always been a tad worried we won't get full haven benefits of not being right there.....but we have a HUGE deck lol......yay!

 

Leah

[Buttercup2009]

Thanks for all the info!!

Who was the Cruise Director during your cruise? We set sail on 6/26 and my mother in law is an active cruiser so she's interested in who will be our Cruise Director. Thanks!

[Clarea]

Excellent review, thanks!

[kimhinterman]

Great review, thank you! Has anyone styed in the Haven aft penthouse suites and yet still fully enjoyed the amenities in the haven itself? We are booked in one in October and have always been a tad worried we won't get full haven benefits of not being right there.....but we have a HUGE deck lol......yay!

 

Leah

 

We stayed in an aft haven penthouse in May and absolutely LOVED it! I didn't feel left out at all but this was my first cruise in the Haven and I have nothing to compare to. The amazing view from our deck was well worth the little walk to get to the Haven restaurant and pool area. We had our butler serve breakfast on our deck many mornings and felt completely pampered! Have a great trip!

[browniegirl]

We stayed in an aft haven penthouse in May and absolutely LOVED it! I didn't feel left out at all but this was my first cruise in the Haven and I have nothing to compare to. The amazing view from our deck was well worth the little walk to get to the Haven restaurant and pool area. We had our butler serve breakfast on our deck many mornings and felt completely pampered! Have a great trip!

 

Thank you! We have stayed in the haven itself before and loved it, so this is first time enjoying the Haven outside the "courtyard".....so we were a little concerned, HOWEVER, the aft is my favourite place on the ship and I absolutely love the view there.....we will do that breakfast thing on the deck, sounds awesome!

 

Leah

[thirdeastshak3]

Thanks for all the info!!

Who was the Cruise Director during your cruise? We set sail on 6/26 and my mother in law is an active cruiser so she's interested in who will be our Cruise Director. Thanks!

 

Cruise Director was Scott from the United States. Very personable and fun to talk to around the ship.

[CT1976]

We are just back from staying in exactly this suite the week after you! We were 6 Brits (me & husband, my Mum & Dad, our boys 8 & 11) and loved it - the suite, the service, the food and drinks, the Haven. I intend to write a review although I could virtually copy/paste your review - I agree with so much of it (and I'm too jet lagged at the moment having only landed back in Blighty earlier today). Anyway, I wave to you as one happy suite 16112 cruiser to another :-).

[thirdeastshak3]

We are just back from staying in exactly this suite the week after you! We were 6 Brits (me & husband, my Mum & Dad, our boys 8 & 11) and loved it - the suite, the service, the food and drinks, the Haven. I intend to write a review although I could virtually copy/paste your review - I agree with so much of it (and I'm too jet lagged at the moment having only landed back in Blighty earlier today). Anyway, I wave to you as one happy suite 16112 cruiser to another :-).

 

That's so cool that you had our room after us! If I would've known we would have left you guys a souvenir! :)

Glad you enjoyed the trip!