NCL Getaway... my thoughts

[KeithJenner]

I'm not the OP, but my preference is to be able to make a complete lap outside. I do like the concept of the outdoor seating for restaurants however.

 

 

 

I actually agree with you about being able to go all the way around (although I'm not clear on how many ships have an open promenade at the front).

 

It is a bit of a pain on the Away ships to have to either turn round or go across the ship. It would be nice to be able to do a complete lap.

 

Are there many ships that have open promenades at the front though? I thought they were pretty rare.

[ParadiseTattoo]

Really though?

 

 

It sounds like you're saying your room was on DND for three days, so what happened was ... the expected outcome.

 

(See the history of those on/off symbols here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_symbol)

 

That said, on my last GA cruise my stateroom cleanings were running extremely late, sometimes 3pm/8pm and later.

 

 

So it's not that I didn't understand the switches, it's that they didn't work as they should have. If you didn't jiggle them just right and check the lights above your door it would stay on DND. Poor design or possibly a faulty switch in our room. In any case I never even saw the attendant. So getting clean towels was not an option. If you had no difficulty then you were lucky, I was not so fortunate. Other cruises that I have been on the room attendants were always around and I prefer that.

 

 

 

 

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[perditax]

So it's not that I didn't understand the switches, it's that they didn't work as they should have. If you didn't jiggle them just right and check the lights above your door it would stay on DND. Poor design or possibly a faulty switch in our room. In any case I never even saw the attendant. So getting clean towels was not an option. If you had no difficulty then you were lucky, I was not so fortunate. Other cruises that I have been on the room attendants were always around and I prefer that.

 

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I'm not trying to pile on here, but there's a housekeeping line on the stateroom phone. I know you didn't enjoy your cruise and nothing I say will retroactively change that, but clean towels were an option.

[Suzieanna]

Isn't that the funniest thing?

 

I was on this same trip - and had the exact opposite experience. That's not to say the OP did not experience what they say they did, but just for balance:-

 

I didn't have to wait at all for a drink. The bar staff even knew my name, and would acknowledge me straight away! I would of course wait my turn to be served, but I never felt like I hadn't been seen. In the restaurants, my drinks were topped up quickly - certainly quicker than I could drink the water anyway! In the casino, the dealer will ring a bell and a drinks person would come if you ask.

 

I agree about O Sheehan's - that was the only place we had poor service. we would wait, and wait and wait - and then when we finally asked, it seemed the till roll had ran out and our order had not made it as far as the kitchen.... We had issues here on about 4 occasions. The manager came to see us and said that we should see him when we came next! On the night Burn the Floor were in an MDR, the service was slow, but the server knew there were issues as he kept apologising to us - but I assume the problem was in the kitchen so we didn't hold it against him personally. I thought all the food was lovely.

 

Our cabin steward was very discreet. However, of note - when he hadn't been able to get into our room for a day or so, he left a card with his number on so we could ring him if we needed anything.

 

Pool area is overcrowded. Very bad design. We don't sit at the pool, but I will agree that is an issue for those that want to.

 

I don't think it was the wind that kept us out of Harvest Caye. We were watching if from our balcony and my husband called the sea day ages before the Captain did! Better than running aground on that sand bank though!

 

I cant comment on specialty dining. I had a meal at illusionarium, but because of the healthy pourings of alcohol from my bartender friends, I cant remember that at all... eek!

 

My husband didn't rate the gym - far too small, he said. He also missed being able to walk around the ship fully. I didn't, because I knew that was not an option before I booked.

 

Oh, the disembarkation - absolute MESS. We had been on the Escape the week before which disembarked at the same place, not a bother. Get your colour, and at the time allocated - get off. This time, we were split into USA/Non-USA. I feel this could have been because of the ports visited, but don't know. it took a LONG time to get off though.

 

The thing that stuck out to me the most on Getaway and Escape however was the fact that the staff were not in your face - and I for one really liked that. I don't want to know about my room stewards family or his home town or how hard he works, I don't want to be sitting in MDR and have someone approach me trying to upsell me a Specialty Restaurant, I don't want the staff constantly begging me for good feedback because if they get less than a 10 they will not be re-contracted.

 

I had the best time, and go on any NCL ship again in a heartbeat.

[Thrilled2012]

OP, glad you still had an enjoyable cruise but its a shame that there were so many things that you didn't like. Of course, there are lines and ships that are better suited for people depending on what they are looking for. "Different strokes" :D

 

I did the western Caribbean on the Getaway in Nov 2016. We loved it.

 

Disembarkation was, however, a complete disaster! Lines wrapped back and forth along decks and took hours. That was a nightmare.

 

Food was decent but not great but we never had a problem with getting drinks (and we ordered many) and service was great for us in the MDRs. On a couple of nights servers even went above and beyond for us by making napkin animals for my cranky little one, bringing multiple food items (that we didn't even order) for both of my kids who tend to be picky eaters, etc.

 

We made all reservations ahead of time, before boarding, so that was no problem for us.

 

Our room steward was fantastic. Always on top of things, seemed to magically just appear whenever a thought crossed my mind to ask him for something. Always smiling and sweet as pie

 

O'Sheehans was another story. We had terrible service, cold food and thought the server was just downright rude

 

Agree that the pools are way too small for the number of PAX. Since my kids are young though, we were mostly in the kids area on Lido though and that was great and my kids had a blast.

 

And for those with young ones...the Splash Academy is wonderful.

 

Happy cruising...whatever line and ships you choose!

[Jaco5NC]

I'm wondering if the current disembarkation process is so bad due to the ports being visited? We were on the GA October 2015 to the Eastern Caribbean and basically walked right off the ship. The easiest by far of any cruise we've been on. We are sailing GA again, this time to Western Carribbean. We did the same itinerary back in 2015 on Carnival and waited HOURS to get off the ship.

Not looking forward to that happening again.

 

Edited to add: Glad the op managed to still enjoy their cruise. We had an absolute amazing time last time and are looking forward to our upcoming cruise. We book everything in advance and then just go with it once onboard.

 

 

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[WeAllLove2Travel]

Yes, the cruise last week was able to go to Harvest Cay. Personally, it was a whole lotta "meh." Lots of little vendors selling chotskies, a big pool and a decent beach. One restaurant (a couple of the little vendors were selling food) and a couple of bars, all "pay for" (not complimentary or subject to the Ultimate Beverage Package.) On the plus side, unlike Belize City, you don't have to tender in or worry about getting mugged.

 

If we ever stop there again, we will probably just stay on the ship.

 

 

While docked at Harvest Caye is it possible to leave this area and go to another portion of the island that isn't so touristy and has some authentic local flavor? It seems everyone posts about Harvest Caye like it's the only place to go there. Is that indeed the case?

 

 

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[Ponderosa1]

I have been on Disney and on Freedom of the Seas with RC. Maybe try a different ship with RC and research different rooms, balcony size, etc but we had great food and wonderful service on the last trip on RC. Also specialty restaurants were always making room for us with last minute reservations.

 

 

 

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[QuickieGlenn]

While docked at Harvest Caye is it possible to leave this area and go to another portion of the island that isn't so touristy and has some authentic local flavor? It seems everyone posts about Harvest Caye like it's the only place to go there. Is that indeed the case?

 

 

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The whole island was transformed by NCL, it was built by the cruise line for their passengers, it is a beautiful island, The only local flavor will be the people who work there. Had a great time there

[WeAllLove2Travel]

The whole island was transformed by NCL, it was built by the cruise line for their passengers, it is a beautiful island, The only local flavor will be the people who work there. Had a great time there

 

 

So it's an island like the cruise lines private island not a dock to a bigger island that you can wander away from and explore?

 

 

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[inga418]

So it's an island like the cruise lines private island not a dock to a bigger island that you can wander away from and explore?

 

 

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Yes like a private island but you pay for food and drinks. Ncl offers some excursions booked through ship only.

 

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[2cadolphin]

NCL Getaway April.2-9,2017

 

I've been on many cruises -recently (1/2017) on the Epic and this particular on the Getaway.

I must say that due to my cabin -this cruise was extremely stressful and I catnapped in the evenings vs sleep.

I truly would like to go down the list of positives -and most of them your reading are true.

Here' my complaint :

I booked a stateroom in which I was told had an amazing view- initially was told it's @ the Aft of the ship -but the forward would be fine if it weren't for the noise. I had a angled window since I was @ the very aft - Stateroom 12100 -warning - unless you can sleep through sleeping in an airplane bathroom -hearing the toilet' vacuum system would be easier vs what I experienced on the Getaway 12100.

Being pretty ill over the past few yrs and being diagnosed w/2 auto immune diseases -I was looking forward to this cruise.

I sailed on the Epic but had a cabin mate and was looking forward to some R&R and clearly stated that in my reserving my cabin.

I'm not sure what's up in booking anyone in these staterooms @ the very forward of the ship-- let me say this the sound in my room 24/7 is that of pools of water splashing pretty loud & something banging around -every so many minutes a overwhelming flush-or rush of the ? central vacuum system would occur. Now by any means this is not comforting -actually very scary to experience @ night & to only catnap on a cruise vacation is ridiculous.

I can turn on the television to try to block the sound & wear earplugs & still hear it.

I've sold cruises since 1988 and have taken time off for my health - I could have cancelled my stateroom due to my illness but was told I'll love my cabin and the location.

Do not book this area - the view is nice - as you can see where your going -but @ night you feel like your sinking w/all the sounds your hearing & as said it's very frightening.

I found out about this cabin when I ran into a couple reviews/warnings and immediately took a deep breath -out of how many cabins and mine is the one the reviews are about.

So I call and request a different cabin -was told I'll need to go to guest services and request that once on board.

Not sure why as they were running a special online -and sending out upgrade bidding offers .

So ~ I fly in and arrive @ 7:30ish AM to be first in line -I was actually 3rd -but the couple in front of me only wanted VIBE passes ($100 each) -so other than the Haven I don't believe anyone came in prior to me -unless possibly Travel Agents.

I spoke to Guest Services and was told to go to my stateroom & if the noise is a problem or doesn't go away to come back.

I did this several times & was brushed off -now I'm on my cruise -my vacation -so I thought they meant the best in making sure their guests were happy-but this was off the chart-I wasn't requesting something unrealistic nor every received the respect of a supervisor coming to my Stateroom to confirm the noise was there -I'm absolutely positive this is because they knew it was there - my Cabin Steward confirmed this -so did other employees on the ship.

It was pretty hush hush @ first - no form of noise was admitted to be present and I felt as though I was being called a liar - I'd be told -they'd call me and they didn't -but they'd leave me a message @ dinner time -I answered & they'd say we are just calling u back -- they literally did nothing to make sure I'd be in a room where I could sleep.

The only thing that was offered to me was a cabin on the deck 5 -I was told this is the only cabin left on the ship-& it seemed pretty beat up & closer to the water w a small window-- now this was after I had already fallen apart in my room knowing I could not sleep w/this noise -if I had a choice I'd had been off that ship in a second flat. I was unpacked -after hesitating thinking they'd surely do something -but NO -it was a day into the cruise -not hearing back-I made sure I called and followed up and every time it was the same old thing -we are working on it - finally I said please stop telling me there is no sound like this in my stateroom - your insulting my intelligence - come see for yourself.

Also don't tell me no one has ever complained about this cabin when in reality there are postings on the net and the other passengers asked how I can sleep -and nearby neighbors said they can hear it down the hall -so they can imagine how loud it is . My neighbors 2 doors down said yes they had called as well- but are very deep sleepers-but it is annoying as it's 24/7 so one can never really rest in their room. This cruise was to be for my husband' Birthday and he wasn't able to go. I wanted to join solo travelers but lost contact w/the gal I met and didn't make the groups meeting times as I was dealing w this issue for my first 3 days of the cruise. All in all - they reluctantly gave me a $100 shipboard credit and LoL 2 speciality dining dinners -now I am a solo traveler and reminded them of this -I was told I can get a date or find someone -another passenger to go w me -- I missed Burning the Floor -dealing w their return call re this cabin matter w no resolve-they even knew I had the show that evening -prob why they called figuring I was already gone -who knows---didn't feel up to Million $ Quartet since I had't sleep & was ready for bed by 7pm.

Anyhow it's all so fresh I am embarrassed I wasted much $$$ for airfare, ground transportation and insulted that NCL Guest Relations didn't deal w this matter they were fully aware of from the get go vs ruin my cruise experience.

I have close to a dozen sound recordings of this horrific wave of sounds that permeate this stateroom.

Absolutely ridiculous

BTW ~ I attended the roll call meet up for my first time in sailing & it was nice -thank you -I wanted to speak up but didn't feel that this was the forum.

I received a tray of chocolates w a notecard & totally thought it was from the Hotel Director due to my experience saying we are working on it -until I spoke to others who also attended -nope everyone who attended the meet up received them-which was nice- but to this day nothing formal back from NCL --I'm trying to reach someone as I'm to sail for my Bday late May.2017 --yikes

[perditax]

I know this doesn't help I have after the fact, but I always assume my hotel rooms and especially cruise staterooms will be noisy beyond my control. I bring some form of white noise no matter what, AND earplugs.

 

The whooshing plumbing noises and banging are pretty ubiquitous, at least in my experience on the GA and the Escape. But I also like forward rooms.

[Jaco5NC]

I'm sorry you had such a negative experience. We were in cabin 9170 (fwd) last year and didn't have any noise issues other then the couple next door "getting busy" at all hours of the night/early morning/afternoon. I unfortunately forgot my ear plugs and didn't get much sleep that week. Although, neither did our neighbors!

We are on deck 13 (fwd) sailing this Sunday...thinking positive thoughts for minimal noise!

 

 

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[2cadolphin]

I'm sorry you had such a negative experience. We were in cabin 9170 (fwd) last year and didn't have any noise issues other then the couple next door "getting busy" at all hours of the night/early morning/afternoon. I unfortunately forgot my ear plugs and didn't get much sleep that week. Although, neither did our neighbors!

We are on deck 13 (fwd) sailing this Sunday...thinking positive thoughts for minimal noise!

 

 

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Thanks - it's the loudest I've ever heard and two sets of earplugs didn't do the job but Happy Sailing this Sunday =)

You'll have a great time

[Vitamin_Sea]

The bigger the ships get , the smaller the cabins and pools get.

 

More cabins = more money

 

Good for NCL, sucks for customer

[aggiesmom]

Wow your noise situation sounds exactly like what we experienced in 8120 which is forward. At times it sounded like mini explosions. We were wondering if it was supplying water to the water slides. We've done 8 cruises and never experienced a noise like this however, this was our first mega ship. We didn't bother to complain. We figured it would get us no where and we were all unpacked. I'm sorry it ruined your cruise. For us the biggest issue was undisciplined children and their attendance in the bars at night. In my opinion a 9 pm show in headliners is late enough to be adults only. The performers shouldn't have to restrict their repertoire.

[kz1231]

A long list of cons. But glad you still enjoyed your cruise. Thank you for your honest feedback.

 

Same here! We did not have a good trip on Getaway and I posted about it nearly two years ago, but I do love your perspective. It is what you make it. We're sailing on Sunday on RC Liberty of the Seas. I will put your positive vibe in my pocket for reference if anything starts making me cranky ;)

[Manbo]

a. we never met our cabin steward.. never saw him/her once... Didn't know how to find them. Needed help several times, and couldn't find him/her. Had to search our floor to find someone to help us.

quote]

Your post reminded me of the issue we had with our broken safe. I kept calling the room steward on the phone, but he didn't answer and had no voice mail! It took until day three to get someone to fix it!

Overall, I have to agree with everything you posted. I will only go on an "Away" class again if I get a super deal.

[agrimm01]

I was on the Getaway cruise (4-2/9) and did not have any noise experience for the room. We had an aft balcony on deck 11 and it was great. We had no noises that kept us up. Our balcony door seemed to seal out any noises coming from upper decks.

As far as NCL guest services I think they pretty much sucked. When I asked them about not receiving the amount of obc that I was supposed to receive they said they would get with the travel agent and get right back with me. After not hearing anything from them two days later I stopped at the desk and they acted like my inquiry was totally new. I waited about 30 minutes at the desk and they finally came back and said the obc amount was correct. I stated it was not what the TA said it would be and they said sorry, nothing they could do. They were not helpful at all and almost rude. After getting home I inquired with my TA and he said he has opened an inquiry with NCL on obc and will get back with me.

Other than this and an issue with a blackjack dealer I had a great time.