Getaway 9/18 - 9/25

[PhillyTravelBug]

That evening we had dinner at Savor. This was our best meal in the main dining areas. I remember I had the chocolate lava cake, which I inhaled. There was about a 15 minute great, but dinner and service was impressive.

 

Later that evening, we decided to finally do the ice bar. Regular admission is $30, but since we had the UBP, it was $16 pp. we went in too early. There was only two people in there. But one was an 80 year old woman and her daughter. Props to her! She stayed in there for longer than I expected. The daughter was from NY and had opened toed shoes on and a dress. She wasn't even shivering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-alcoholic drink

 

If you really want to do this, I recommend doing this later in the evening. It's a cool experience, but I have been fortunate enough to stay at the ice hotel in Quebec, and there is no comparison.

 

The dry ice they use for the drinks works well, but I really was hoping for the glasses made out of ice.

 

 

 

Up next is my thermal spa review with lots of pictures.

[PhillyTravelBug]

 

I hope people are enjoying this adventure so far.

[jimbri]

Enjoying your review. Great photos!

[Podie]

Thanks so much as I board on Sunday! We have the thermal spa pass so I'm looking forward to your review of that!

[keeponcruising]

I'm enjoying your review. Going on the GA beginning of Nov. I can't wait;)

[smyly]

Loving your review! I was on Getaway last October and booked again for this coming February. We had Vibe for our last cruise (three at sea days). We do not intend on booking again for this coming trip BUT do plan to take advantage of the spa. Also we plan to to go to Little French Key so I really enjoyed your feedback on that. Enjoy the rest of your trip! As a side note - Cagney's was my absolute favorite restaurant on the ship. If you have a chance and you like an upscale steakhouse then check it out! The truffle fires are to die for :)

[MJSailors]

If you're Platinum you get a bar of lemongrass soap and lotion in your cabin.

 

We had this bar soap and lotion on the Breakaway last week.I think we are Bronze level-3 NCL.cruises.

Maybe our steward liked us !

[PhillyTravelBug]

Day 6- Cozumel

 

Originally, we had Xcaret booked, but after much research, it did not seem like we would have enough time there to really get our money's worth. Instead, we booked a massage for this day the evening prior. We also saw there was a promo available for he thermal spa for the remainder of the cruise for $79.99. Since we couldn't really afford to book it originally, we jumped on this offer. BEST DECISION OF THE ENTIRE VACATION!!!!

 

I cannot say enough about the thermal spa. It is one of the best experiences on the ship. The availability of fresh towels and robes were plenty. The locker room was perfect with beautiful sinks, rain showers e, private changing areas, and lockers and keypad locking system.

 

The spa itself is amazing with the jets and waterfall that is powe up enough to massage those aches. The spa also has a seated section with the jets to run through. You must experience the enclosed area where the jets come through the floor and sides. Wow!!!!!!

 

I thought I would enjoy the heated tiled loungers, but I used the paddedloungers most of the time.

 

The steam room is great, but pretty powerful. I used the salt room the most. I found the temperature and humidity in there perfect.it suggest to breathe in the air and taste the salt on your tongue, but I didn't notice the taste of salt on my tongue. The sauna was spacious and the showers just outside are convenient for heading back into the pools. It was virtually empty on the day at port and everything was always available on the day at sea. I was surprised.

[js]

Reserve your spoon littlefrenchkey.com. You pick the package you want and you will receive an email on instructions. You have to meet hem outside the gate of the port. They were easy to find, but it was overwhelming with everyone on the street and people trying to sell you crap. One of them has a list of all who had reserved. One group forgot to reserve and they had no proble, letting the, go. They have several vans that take guests there. It's not the most comfortable ride, but did the job. They shocks must go all the time with their road system. It takes 20-30 minutes to get there. Once there, you make payment..there is a little bit to seep. The mainland where you lay, but take the complimentary ferry over to their island.

 

I cannot recommend them enough, the owner came by to see how we were doing, but didn't over do the welcome.

 

Thank you. I am going to show this to my dh tonight!

[PhillyTravelBug]

 

 

Edited September 28, 2016 by Joeghartman

[PhillyTravelBug]

 

Salt room

 

Steam bath (had to take the photo QUICK!!!)

Edited September 28, 2016 by Joeghartman

[PhillyTravelBug]

 

 

I forgot to have my photo taken. These jets are crazy!!!

 

[bzmom2girls]

We had a Haven Spa Suite in January. I was suprised at how much we used it. I loved it. Not a fan of the heated loungers though-the angle was weird. I preferred the padded loungers.

[PhillyTravelBug]

Edited September 28, 2016 by Joeghartman

[PhillyTravelBug]

We had a Haven Spa Suite in January. I was suprised at how much we used it. I loved it. Not a fan of the heated loungers though-the angle was weird. I preferred the padded loungers.

 

That's exactly why I didn't care for them either.

 

The thermal spa was worth every penny. Next cruise we will gladly trade in an excursion for the spa pass.

[snow bunny]

My DD and I purchased the spa passes for the week. I loved it but not so much for her. Then again, I tend to choose Celebrity spa rooms when I can! Am hoping for an upgrade to the Haven Spa room on my next Getaway cruise with DH for his birthday surprise!

 

snow bunny

[PhillyTravelBug]

We spent a good part of the morning in the thermal spa amd just headed to the shops at the port to try and find toothpaste(lol), and possibly some souvenir. Starbucks was calling!!! We loved the coffees in the atrium coffee shop, but needed a taste of home. All the shops just had basic jersey shore style junk. I found a coffee cup I loved,but how many more do I really need?

 

But we did find this nice lady!!

 

 

On our walk back to the ship, I was really pissing Seth off. It was hot and I was walking so slow loooking at the fish!!! But how could you not. The water was beautiful and there were fish everywhere.

 

 

We grabbed a bite to eat in the Cafe since we knew it would be empty and heading to our scheduled massages. The were running a special on the tip to toe package. Facial, back, hands, feet, amd scalp. The facility and room was excellent. Nice ambiance and the massage therapist was very professional.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed my massage, but Seth said he had to tell his therapist to ease up. Of course there was the sales pitch at the end. I don't know what got into me, but I did end up buying an overpriced cream for my face.

 

Moderno-

We did Moderno for dinner. After reading so many negative reviews, I was concerned, but we both wanted to do this. Lots of reviews rave about the salad bar. I thought it was good to very good. Lots of options, but I am a picky eater.

We got the run down of how to order meats. They came around with flank first and Seth wanted one more rare. Here's where it began.... she said she would be back with a piece medium rare to rare. I had mine on my plate because I like mine more on the well side, and we waited...and waited. I was done my piece before she came. Meanwhile, others came by with other cuts of meat we didn't care for..

I got a piece of filet and Seth asked about his piece he was waiting for he. He decided to settle on some pork that came by and something else I believe. I got full quickly and don't eat too much meat besides beef, chicken, and turkey. He was still hungry but kind of over the entire thing.

 

I have to say the dessert was amazing.

 

We did the casino and then headed to the Glow party around 10:30 or 11 atSpice H2O. This is definitely not my thing with dancing and drinks everywhere, but I know Seth always looks forward to these. He enjoyed himself and we both enjoyed the 60 year old woman getting up to dance with the MC. I lasted longer than I thought, an hour!!! I was dying of thirst and the bar was ridiculous just to get a soda or water. We both felt bad for the bartenders, there were only two and people were screaming some awful things at them. It's vacation, unless we are sinking, make the best of it!! I got some water from the cafe and then we retired to the room.

This is thee lady I. The background that got up on stage a few times to dance. She was a riot.

 

They had Angry Birds for free on the tv and only made it 2/3 the way through the film the entire cruise. Guess the days were wearing me out.

[PhillyTravelBug]

My DD and I purchased the spa passes for the week. I loved it but not so much for her. Then again, I tend to choose Celebrity spa rooms when I can! Am hoping for an upgrade to the Haven Spa room on my next Getaway cruise with DH for his birthday surprise!

 

snow bunny

 

I would dream of that!! By the way, what does DD and DH stand for? I keep seeing this throughout.

[snow bunny]

I would dream of that!! By the way, what does DD and DH stand for? I keep seeing this throughout.

 

DD is darling daughter and DH is darling husband. You will see many abbreviations on here, some easier to decipher than others,

 

snow bunny

[PhillyTravelBug]

The last of our collection

 

 

Day 7- sea day

 

I think someone mixed too many alcohols the previous day and wasn't feeling too well. I ended up heading to the cafe for breakfast solo, and then went to the gym and the thermal spa. I expected the gym to be slammed, but it wasn't.

 

We spent most of the sea day at the thermal spa, doing the ropes course one last time, climbing the rock wall, and purchasing photos. We were going to do the Tropicana, but I offered to do La Cucina even though we used our UDP. I really just wanted chicken parmigiana, but they didn't have that on the menu, /9 I settled for spaghetti. It was good.we ate outside and watched the lightening. What a show! Service was mostly good. Of course we finished the evening with slots. We usually just ended up playing $20- $40. Not huge gamblers. Packing was complete and the realization that our cruise is coming to an end and we have to soon face reality was depressing.

[PhillyTravelBug]

I completely forgot to mention hat we had room service delivered one of the days and had breakfast on the balcony. It was fabulous. I had French toast while he had an omelette and oatmeal. Everything was kept warm and they called to follow up and make sure everything was accurate and delicious. Kudos to the staff! I was impressed. It was such an enjoyable part of the trip.

 

I did want to do Illusionarium, but our neighbors said the good was awful. After ready so many negative reviews about the food on here, we decided not to. No regrets there.

Edited September 29, 2016 by Joeghartman

[Tribalbellydancemama77]

Thank you for such a wonderful review. You have made my excitement level go wild! I sooo look forward to my departure.

[js]

LOVED your review!

Thank you so much!

 

When you went to Little French Key were there umbrellas with the loungers? I hardly see any in the pictures.

 

Thank you.

Edited September 29, 2016 by js

[PhillyTravelBug]

LOVED your review!

Thank you so much!

 

When you went to Little French Key were there umbrellas with the loungers? I hardly see any in the pictures.

 

Thank you.

 

Thank you for the kind words! I don't believe there were any umbrellas, but there is a ton of shade to lay under. Whether it be in a lounger or hammock, there is a ton of shade.

[PhillyTravelBug]

Day 8- Disembarking

 

Luggage was put out the night before to pick up at the cruise terminal. We selected to leave at 9:20 (lavender). We had breakfast at O'Sheehans. It turned that we had the best waiter of the trip for our final meal. Go figure! I wish I got his name, but he was awesome. Disembarking was a breeze. 95% organized and moved quickly. The luggage was easy to find as they were all clearly labeled according to the color you chose. If flying out of MIA, I recommend taking a tic of the NCL sponsored shuttle. You'll save a few bucks.

 

Now it's time to save for the next cruise. I want to do the Norwegian fjords for my 40th in 2020. Gladly accept donations towards that..

 

A few days after the cruise, I see we are no at the silver level. Yippee!

 

There will be more pictures. I have to go through the ones on the go pro.

 

Thanks for following so far.