Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

Spoiled for Life on the Norwegian Getaway 7/3-7/10/16

Ssutera

By Ssutera,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

 Share

Recommended Posts

Ssutera

Ssutera

Posted
Posted

R="red"]First let me start by thanking all who post their experiences good or bad on this site!!!! I learned so much from reading CC over the past few months! I believe from reading others experiences

and opinions on this site helped add to my cruising experience.

[/color]

I hope now I can give back by doing a review of my experiences.

 

About us: My family (myself, DH and 2 boys 13 & 15) have not cruised in a while. Hubby and I cruised 16 years ago on RC and loved it (alone), 7 years ago on Disney with the kids and really enjoyed it! We decided to give the Norwegian Getaway a try because of the itinerary to the Western Caribbean.

 

We originally booked a mini-suite with at large balcony. After reading many of the threads about Haven, I started to wonder if we should upgrade. Needing a cabin that could sleep 4 our choices were limited and pricey. Then something magical happened, just under 30 days I received and email from the upsell fairy that I had been hearing so much about!!! I was so excited and took this as a sign that I should upgrade, so I bit the bullet and did it! It was 1,000 pp for the first 2 people for a 2 bedroom villa, but still cheaper that if I would have booked the cabin outright. Needless to say, I couldn't have made a better decision!!!!!!!

 

Day 1 - Embarkment

 

We flew JetBlue from Newark to FLL first flight out, took a taxi to port and were there by 10:30. Gave our luggage to a porter and were on our way. At this point no one in my family knew I upgraded us. (Very difficult to keep this secret for over 3 weeks). Once we passed security my family started to walk down the main terminal, but I started to veer to the left to Priority Boarding. My DH asked what I was doing and I simply smiled. We were checked in right away, received our cards and were offered cookies and refreshments. Before we could finish chewing, a lovely little lady had a sign for Priority Boarding and asked us to follow her. We basically cut all of the long lines and were brought upstairs to a little lounge area to await boarding. Here too were refreshments. Within 20 minutes, we boarded the ship and were swept up to the Haven.

 

We were escorted to the bar and lounge area of the Haven and offered sliders and punch. We were the first to be aboard the ship! Although the cabins were not completely ready, we were able to bring our carry on luggage to the room.

 

As we entered our 2 bedroom villa my family was in awe. The room was clean, large and wonderful. My husband did not stop smiling the entire trip and never asked me a single question about the upgrade, I knew he was just happy I did it. (This is a man who has a hard time relaxing on vacation)

You entered the room to a dining and living room area that led to sliders leading out to the balcony. The balcony was small, but we were rarely on it except for coffee in the morning and a cocktail at night. The kids had their own room (bunk beds that folded during the day into a couch, their own TV and full bathroom. We had an amazing room for a cabin, it was larger than some hotel suites we have stayed in. Our room had a king bed high up so your could store your suitcases underneath. (Very comfortable as well) Lots of closet and drawers and a dressing table. The bathroom consisted of 2 sinks, tub, large shower and separate toilet, all with beautiful ocean views!!!

 

We met our butler Rex and our steward Aturo who were just wonderful the whole trip!!! Loved them!! Every day there were snacks in our room (around 4 ish???) and adorable towel animal with chocolates each night. The kids really looked forward every day to see which treats and animals we got.

 

We signed the kids up for Entourage (they never went) and then got a bite to eat at the Flamingo Grill. We were not impressed, better cuban food at home.

 

Kids changed in to their swimsuits and did the water slides. This was perfect because the ship was not yet crowded and their were no lines. During the rest of the cruise the lines were very long, pool area very crowded.

 

Having the UBP, hubby and I got our first of many drinks and had fun watching the kids. Although we are not big drinkers a home, we did indulge on this vacation and fully got our money's worth for our 18% pre paid gratuity!!!! Would do this again in a heartbeat!

 

Later we went back to the room to unpack and relax from a very early start of our day. We did not have any special dinner plans so we decided to just eat in the Haven restaurant. (We also had the SDP) It was wonderful, food was delicious, service was excellent!! Really enjoyed it!

 

Then we went to the Welcome Night in the theater. It was basically a preview of all of the shows on the ship. Although we had reservations for all of them, my kids did not want to see Burn Floor or Million Dollar Quartet so we did not.

 

 

Day 2 - At Sea

 

After a wonderful nights sleep, kids slept in and hubby and I hit the gym. We got there around 7:30 and it was already crowded, I did manage to get a treadmill and hubby hit the weights. Then we went for a coffee and fruit at the buffet. Brought kids back here later, it was your typical buffet breakfast foods.

 

The main pool area was very crowded so we decided to go up to the Haven pool area and never left. It was quiet and beautiful. We laid in the sun, dipped in the small pool (not too much smaller than the main pool) enjoyed cocktails and lunch. The lunch menu consisted of burgers, wraps, fries, onion rings, etc. always something for everyone. By this time all of the bartenders and waiters know our name and are very nice. You never have to wait for a drink. They also come around with snacks after 12:00 and a water bottle to spritz you with.

 

That night we had reservations at Illsuionarium. We were escorted down by our concierge Virginia (who was helpful and wonderful the whole trip for anything we needed) We had made all of our reservations prior to our trip through our wonderful PCC, but found that we had to switch somethings around during our cruise.

 

We were seated front and center, great seats! Dinner was a prefixed menu and was fine. The show was very entertaining and my kids really enjoyed it!

 

Day 3 - Roatan

 

Today we ordered a full breakfast in the room(free of charge) and on time by our butler. It was very good! We also enjoyed the coffee maker in the room and had a great cup of coffee each morning on our balcony.

 

We were up and off the ship first thing in the morning for a snorkel tour with Roatan Eco Tours. Again we were escorted off the ship by our concierge. We booked privately and were so glad we did. Although we had many great excursions, this was our families favorite!! We were back on the ship in plenty of time!

 

We enjoyed lunch at O' Sheehan's. Typical bar food menu and we all loved it! This became our go to spot after our excursions!

 

We relaxed by the Haven pool before going to dinner. Always a great experience. This was truly our Haven for the trip, even the kids after a while just wanted to hang out with us in Haven.

 

We were suppose to eat at the Tropicana, but kids were not thrilled with what was on the menu so they asked if we could eat again in the Haven and we did. The menu remains the same for the week, but that just gave us a chance to try all of the different options. We never had a bad meal!! We did not make it to any on the main dining rooms the entire trip.

 

We had 9:00 reservations for the Comedy Club Headliners. The kids loved the comedy club and we went back a often as we could. Tonight we saw a comedian Landry and we all really enjoyed the show.

 

After the kids went back to the room to watch a movie (plenty to choose from and all free) and DH and I hit the casino. Dealers were friendly we had luck the first night but not so much the rest. Although I could smell a smoke in some parts of the casino, being a non smoker, I did not find it overpowering.

 

 

 

To Be Continued

 

 

 

:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Carolina Girl 99

Carolina Girl 99

Posted
Posted

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Looking forward to the rest of your review

 

We are also a family of 4 (myself, DS 19 and my parents) booked in an M6. I'm sort of hoping for an upsell to an H4 but torn between having much more room and giving up that large balcony we have booked. Guess I'll cross that bridge when we get to it if there is anything available

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ssutera

Ssutera

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Continuing.................

 

Day 4 - Belize

 

Once again due to a booked excursion we opted to eat breakfast in our room. Our Butler Rex delivered breakfast to our room with a polite call just before coming to let us know he was on his way.

 

Traveling with teenage boys we made sure we booked excursions that they would enjoy to make for the ultimate family experience. Everything we did was as a family (excursions, dinners, shows etc) which made the trip even more enjoyable. I should also note we unplugged as a family this trip. NO INTERNET and we all survived!!!! Actually after day one, no one seemed to even mind. I was really nice just having uninterrupted conversation , laughs and making memories.

 

Staying in the Haven meant that we did not have to get a ticket with a number to tender off the boat. Once we were ready, we went up to concierge and they escorted us right to the tender, no waiting!!! The priority everything on the ship because of Haven was another reason it was worth it to upgrade.

 

 

We decided to go Cave Tubing. We used a small local company Charlie's Cave Tubing. They picked us up along with 6 others outside the port area, making our group a total of 10.. We had a tour of the city, learned a lot about the local culture as we headed out to the rain forest. I picked this company by its good reviews on Trip Advisor, small groups and they carried our tubes through the 25 minute hike through the jungle. This was a huge plus especially because it was very muggy the day we went. Tubing was nice but crowded. Must have been a lot of ships in port. We were back in plenty of time to tender back onto the ship!!!! ***TIP Bring own water shoes and dry clothes to change into (changing rooms there).*** Made ride back more enjoyable.

 

Once again we ate lunch at O'Sheehans...yummy. Relaxed back up in Haven (my favorite place to be on the ship!!)

 

We went to the comedy show featuring all the comedians in the main theater which was great!!! This was another one of everyone's favorite shows.

 

Then off to a late dinner at Ocean Blue. Even though we had the SDP we still had to pay a $20 up charge for all 4 of us SO NOT WORTH IT!!!!! THIS WAS THE WORST MEAL WE HAD ON THE SHIP!!!! The surf and turf was small (had the same thing in the Haven, no up charge, bigger and better) and had no taste, both my boys ordered it and were very disappointed. The lobster bisque had too much sherry in it and very little lobster. Ect..., etc... you can get better seafood on the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore!!!

 

After dinner, kids went back to room to hang and relax. Hubby and I went to check out the 80"s at Spice. We loved the music and had a good time!

 

Day 5 - Costa Maya

 

Another breakfast in the room and off to our excursion.

 

My family had never seen the Mayan ruins, so I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to see them. We booked with Native Choice who were excellent. They were a short walk outside of port to meet them. We paid, got wrist bands and bottled water and were led onto a comfy air conditioned bus. I chose the Chacchoben Ruins because this was the shorter of the tours (4 hours).. Just long enough for everyone to see and learn something but not get bored. The ride was about 45 minutes but went fast with our guide telling us all about the history of Costa Maya. We got to the grounds and were led on a guided tour of the ruins. They were amazing, but I think DH and boys were more impressed with the monkeys we saw in the trees...LOL. We spent about an hour at the ruins, bought coconut milk out of a coconut from a local vendor there and headed back. On the way back we stopped at a roadside stand for pineapple. Our guide called ahead after asking us and they put the pineapple in individual baggies for us at the cost of $1. It was the best pineapple I ever had!!! They dropped us off at port with plenty of time to shop and get back on the ship.

 

Once on the ship DH and 1 son went to Haven while myself and younger son went to do obstacle course (he had been asking all week) WOW, didn't realize I got so old!!! Used to love all the crazy rides and was always up for anything, but the height and walking on the thin ropes and planks really got to me. My son was having a ball, so after the first loop around, I got off and enjoyed watching him have fun from the ground!! He went back on his own multiple times after that!!! NOT ME!

 

For dinner we went to Teppanyaki. BEST DINNER ON THE SHIP!!!! The dinner show was great, funny and even bought the souvenir photo ($20)

This was definitely everyone's favorite place to dine on the cruise.

 

Another round at the comedy club and then off to bed.

 

 

More to come.......:)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ssutera

Ssutera

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I'm following along too....it was so nice meeting you and your family and hanging out in the Haven! I fear that I, too, am spoiled for life!

 

It was lovely meeting you two as well. Hope you can be upgraded again for your cruise in the spring!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jimandami

jimandami

Posted
Posted
It was lovely meeting you two as well. Hope you can be upgraded again for your cruise in the spring!

 

Thanks!! We are hoping! I also agree Teppanyaki was the best specialty restaurant...we ended up going two nights in a row (instead of Le Bistro on our last night!).

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ssutera

Ssutera

Posted
  • Author
Posted
awesome review!! we will be on this trip nov.2017. how much was the cave tubing that sounds interesting. my boys will be 17 and 20 when we go.

 

Cave Tubing was $50 pp. My boys 15 &13 enjoyed it. Definitely worth the experience for $200 for a family of 4.

 

I really liked that we were in a small group!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ssutera

Ssutera

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Continuing

 

Day 6 - Cozumel

 

Another yummy breakfast in our room. This time we just did chocolate croissants, muffins and pastry because our excursion included meals. Loved the chocolate croissants. I believe you can order them for breakfast free of charge no matter what room you are in!

 

For our excursion, we booked Mr Sancho's - a beach day. This was my pick recommended by a friend who had been there previously. Loved It!!

We paid $55 pp for the day, which included unlimited food and drinks (regular and alcoholic) They have blow up things in the water for the kids and that was extra. ($11, I think) Kids loved it and had a blast jumping off of them! the reservations were made online through their website. They only accept so many people a day so reservations are recommended.

 

We left the ship and got into a taxi for $18 one way for 4 people. Plus we tipped our driver a few bucks. Well worth the price. We were there in about 20 minutes.

 

We checked in easily, had no problem finding lounge chairs right by the beach in the section reserved for all inclusive guests. You can also rent cabanas but we did not. There were many people walking around selling massages, hair braiding etc.. but with a polite shake of your head or no thank you they left you alone. If you are interested in doing extra things there is a lot offered for an up charge. Banana boat, snorkeling, paddle boarding etc... There was also a pool with pool bar if you somehow got tired of the beach.

 

All of the food and drinks were good! I highly recommend the seafood ceviche if you are a seafood fan. It was delicious!!!

 

We ate, drank and swam most of the day. Water was beautiful, warm, clear and not rocks or seaweed. We easily got a cab back to port when we were ready for the same price.

 

Back near port we shopped with more of the local vendors (haggled) and made it back to the ship in plenty of time. This was another one of our favorite days in port!

 

We got back to the ship and my kids wanted to go to the comedy club again! I went to concierges and although reservations were full, they got us in. Cannot say enough about Virginia, Special K and the rest of the staff in Haven concierge, they were wonderful!!!!!

 

With no dinner reservations, we ate once again in the Haven Restaurant and had another incredible meal!

All week we ate prime rib, filet mignon, lobster, shrimp, rack of lamb, etc... everything and more that you would expect from a top notch restaurant! Being from the NYC area we were very impressed!!

 

Day 7 - At Sea

 

DH and I had breakfast in Haven Restaurant (eggs benedict and lobster, steak and eggs) then headed to the Haven pool area and stayed all day, ate lunch there too and of course, cocktails and sunbathing! It was the perfect way to spend our last day on the ship!

 

*Kids had picture taken on plank when you walk out over the ocean on rope course. Went to purchase photo's for them as a memory. NCL wanted $25 a picture!!!!!!!! I thought that was crazy!!!!!!!! I knew I was going to pay considerably more for a photo (I was thinking $15). But $25 was a RIP OFF!!!! If NCL was smart they would lower the price to $15 because more people would buy the pictures and they would make more money in the end. We took a family photo at Teppanyaki by a photographer that came in a bifold frame with a picture of the ship on the other side and paid $20. My kids pulled a string to take a photo and they wanted $25, I thought that was ridiculous!!!* Hence, we did not get the professional photo but have the memory from our phone photos and video.*

 

The kids, after sleeping in, joined us as well. They left a few times to do the rope course and try the water slides, but as it got more crowded, they came back to the Haven to hang in the hot tub and pool.

 

That evening we went to dinner at Moderno. It was ok. I enjoyed the salad bar. Too much meat for me. The men seemed to like it more but Teppanyaki was still everyone's favorite and they were sorry we just didn't try to go there again.

 

Day 7 - Back in Miami :(

 

We had breakfast as a family in the Haven Restaurant. Had left our large suitcases outside our room the night before for priority disembarkment. Took our carry on luggage and was escorted down to customs by concierge. Our luggage was in room set aside for Haven luggage with lots of porters around to help us. Disemabarkment and customs was a very easy process. We booked a bus ride to the airport as we were leaving the ship for $50 for our family and were at the FLL airport in no time. We were off so quickly that we even got an earlier flight home.

 

LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF OUR VACATION, ESPECIALLY IN THE HAVEN!!!!!

 

 

Side Notes:

Beds were the most comfortable family has ever slept in away.

Cannot say enough about the Haven experience!!!!!

I am truly spoiled for life....do not think I want to cruise again without being in Haven!!!

Thought the ship was very crowded in common areas, atrium, pool etc..

Main pools not big enough for all of the people on board

Staff in all areas were friendly and helpful in our experience

Did not feel that anyone was trying to over sell me anything. Anyone that asked for spa etc with a polite no, or shake of head left us alone.

 

 

 

PLEASE ASK ABOUT ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE

 

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SHARED THEIR EXPERIENCES!!!! BECAUSE OF CC I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH AND IT DEFINITELY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY CRUISING EXPERIENCE!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ssutera

Ssutera

Posted
  • Author
Posted
How do you make comedy club reservations? How many nights did they have a show there?

 

 

 

I did it through concierge in the Haven, but think you just have to go to Guest Services. I would suggest you make reservations, it tends to book up especially as the week goes on.

 

You have to check the dailies but it was almost every night. One night all of the comics in the theater but the other nights different comics at different times and days. Think 3 on the ship total but there is a PG and R version at different times.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Annmeat

Annmeat

Posted
Posted
How do you make comedy club reservations? How many nights did they have a show there?

 

Download the iConcierge app for free PRIOR to boarding. You can make the reservations while you are waiting to board in the waiting area

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • Special Event: Q&A with Laura Hodges Bethge, President Celebrity Cruises
      • ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail on Sun Princess®
      • Hurricane Zone 2024
      • Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...