Getaway Western Caribbean 9/9/2018

[graphicguy]

Had the chance to talk a bit with our hostess after the tour. She worked in the "Cruise Next" dept, and really enjoyed it. She said the folks that actually interface with passengers usually do several different jobs, in addition to their main job. That is why she was doing the tour.

 

I asked her what her most difficult day-to-day function was. Surprisingly, she said trying to hold her relationship together. Wasn't expecting that. She has an ongoing relationship going with another crew member. They try to stay on the same ship together, but that's not alway possible. I guess now is one of those times.

 

He's on another ship, and unless they can get time off together, or work on the same ship, it puts a strain on that relationship.

 

Makes perfect sense.

[bruadhin]

 

Something I found interesting, the galley makes as much as they can from scratch. For example, salad dressing....all made from scratch every day in the galley.

 

Thanks for your review, we're just a few days away now.

 

That isn't surprising and is a good thing. For an operation of any size, it is often cheaper to do it from scratch and the quality is better as well. Plus you aren't serving the same thing as someone else.

[Seminole1975]

Very interesting! Following along. Interesting that the MDQ set was up on the first day because that show is normally on Thursday and Friday. Burn the Floor is the first part of the week. I have no idea how long it takes to change out the sets. I like the behind the scenes info. I am going to try and book that tour on our upcoming cruise.

[bruadhin]

Very interesting! Following along. Interesting that the MDQ set was up on the first day because that show is normally on Thursday and Friday. Burn the Floor is the first part of the week. I have no idea how long it takes to change out the sets. I like the behind the scenes info. I am going to try and book that tour on our upcoming cruise.

 

Isn't Burn the Floor Monday and Tuesday? It looks like it really takes a day to swap out sets. I guess they leave it alone on Saturday and Sunday with the effort directed towards embarking and disembarking guests.

 

I find it surprising it takes NCL so long to change sets.

[Seminole1975]

Isn't Burn the Floor Monday and Tuesday? It looks like it really takes a day to swap out sets. I guess they leave it alone on Saturday and Sunday with the effort directed towards embarking and disembarking guests.

 

I find it surprising it takes NCL so long to change sets.

 

I am also surprised they did not have the curtain down. Was that Bingo going on in the theater or a staff meeting?

[bruadhin]

I am also surprised they did not have the curtain down. Was that Bingo going on in the theater or a staff meeting?

 

Seems like bingo, but poorly attended. Maybe it is a staff meeting and she just happened to have a bingo card in hand for some reason?

 

But yeah, you'd think the curtain would be down if it was bingo.

[graphicguy]

Isn't Burn the Floor Monday and Tuesday? It looks like it really takes a day to swap out sets. I guess they leave it alone on Saturday and Sunday with the effort directed towards embarking and disembarking guests.

 

I find it surprising it takes NCL so long to change sets.

Good question. I wasn’t quite sure what was going on. I opened the door, peaked in, stuck my camera in and snapped. Took all of 1 minute.

[graphicguy]

I am also surprised they did not have the curtain down. Was that Bingo going on in the theater or a staff meeting?

I thought the same. Maybe a rehearsal day?

[Seminole1975]

I thought the same. Maybe a rehearsal day?

 

They usually just do the Welcome Aboard show on Sunday then a tech rehearsal on Wednesday or Thursday when they reset the MDQ set.

[Lupush]

Loving your review, Getaway is my favorite ship in the NCL fleet so far. I will be cruising as a Platinum for the first time in December. Did you speak to the concierge to make arrangements for the behind the scenes tour? Did you have to reserve in advance?

[graphicguy]

Loving your review, Getaway is my favorite ship in the NCL fleet so far. I will be cruising as a Platinum for the first time in December. Did you speak to the concierge to make arrangements for the behind the scenes tour? Did you have to reserve in advance?

You’ll have a blast. I didn’t pre-arrange anything. I would look at what I’d want to do and what was offered on any given day, and go to the Concierge to book it.

 

In the case of the behind the scenes tour, I thought I would have to wait until one later in the week. Concierge took me to meet the tour, which was just getting under way, as soon as I asked him. Didn’t think it could be done. Concierge did it.

 

They’re great!

[richandkathynaplesfl]

Great review. Thanks for all of the photos. We just received an upgrade to the Haven and can't wait. Sailing 10/7. I really appreciate the time and effort to post this review.

Rich

[graphicguy]

Great review. Thanks for all of the photos. We just received an upgrade to the Haven and can't wait. Sailing 10/7. I really appreciate the time and effort to post this review.

Rich

Great. Will be posting more in a bit.

[graphicguy]

Mentioned before, I usually forget to take pictures of my meals. It's not something I do very often. On the very rare occasions I remember, it seems I'm already half way through my meals.

 

That said, I did take some pics. I had 5 total specialty dining dinners. The rest I ate in the Haven Restaurant.....

 

IMG_0921 by D J, on Flickr

 

I'd say the majority of the time, this is where I was seated for breakfast, lunch and dinners in the Haven. Not 100%, but at least 80%. The Maitre'd knew I liked the spot and seated me there whenever she could....

 

IMG_0943 by D J, on Flickr

[graphicguy]

First Specialty Dinner was at Ocean Blu. Ocean Blu is not part of the SDP, but for a small uncharge (don't remember what it was, but it wasn't much), they would apply what one SDP dinner would be worth and apply it to the bill. I even asked to be seated at the Chef's area so I could watch her work. They obliged.

 

Lobster and a Fillet.....probably the best I've had at any restaurant, anywhere. The freshness is what struck me......

 

IMG_0762 by D J, on Flickr

 

IMG_0763 by D J, on Flickr

 

IMG_0763 by D J, on Flickr

 

Sorry about the lobster. I had already attacked it before remembering to take a pic. Salad was a Tomato and red onion combo with oil and balsamic drizzle. All of it was wonderful....

IMG_0767 by D J, on Flickr

[graphicguy]

Almost forgot...the obligatory martini as a before dinner drink...

 

IMG_0765 by D J, on Flickr

[graphicguy]

Took some time to wander some more as the sun set....

 

IMG_0847 by D J, on Flickr

 

IMG_0835 by D J, on Flickr

 

IMG_0705 2 by D J, on Flickr

 

IMG_0703 2 by D J, on Flickr

[irisbax3]

Great. Will be posting more in a bit.

 

Thanks so much for this great review. I've been following along and really enjoying your photos and comments. I will be on the Getaway for the Christmas holiday. Can you tell me the cost of a clamshell in Harvest Caye and when can you make a reservation for a clamshell?

[graphicguy]

Thanks so much for this great review. I've been following along and really enjoying your photos and comments. I will be on the Getaway for the Christmas holiday. Can you tell me the cost of a clamshell in Harvest Caye and when can you make a reservation for a clamshell?

Hi Iris, You are so very welcome...I'm enjoying it, too!

 

I did not rent a clamshell in Harvest Caye. So, not sure the cost. Is it an NCL sponsored excursion? If so, they will have a cost associated on the excursion booking portion of your NCL reservation page.

 

It's a great ship. I'm sure you're going to have fun.

[graphicguy]

While, some of this is getting out of whack chronologically, I am trying to group all the pics and comments somewhat together by topic....

 

As such, mentioned I had dinner in some of the Specialty Restaurants, Ocean Blu which I mentioned above. Cagney's, which was excellent. NY Strip was cooked perfectly (medium rare), service was top notch, even after I was a late add which was done by the concierge. Sorry, no photos.

 

Teppanyaki.....anyone who has been to Benihanas and it's ilk, know what you're getting. It's quasi oriental (loosely). They prepare your food at the grill you're seated at. Pretty much standard fare. I had seafood, which included scallops, shrimp and calamari. All of it tasted fresh. All of it was quite good. Included was fried rice, salad and desert. If you're a fan of this type of dining, this will be a treat for you. I enjoyed it, and the "chef" was entertaining....

 

 

IMG_0924 by D J, on Flickr

 

IMG_0926 by D J, on Flickr

 

IMG_0927 by D J, on Flickr

 

IMG_0928 by D J, on Flickr

[graphicguy]

I also had a Specialty Dining meal at La Cuccina....

 

IMG_0667 2 by D J, on Flickr

 

IMG_0668 2 by D J, on Flickr

 

Carpaccio as my appetizer/salad...

 

IMG_0839 by D J, on Flickr

 

Sea Bass with pasta olio....

 

IMG_0840 by D J, on Flickr

 

I'm Italian. To say this ranked as one of the most authentic Italian meals I've had, is paying high compliment. Some won't like the authenticity. I loved it.

 

Service, again was top notch!

[graphicguy]

Don't know where to put this, but this was the sea food salad I had at Margaritaville....

 

IMG_0664 2 by D J, on Flickr

 

Again, the theme was the food was super fresh and very tasty.

 

While I didn't get a chance to grab a bite at O'Sheehans (open 24 hours), I've dined there in the past. It's pub food, good pub food, but still pub food. In the a.m. you can get a full breakfast there. Plus, you can overlook the goings on in the Atrium while dining and/or drinking there.

 

IMG_0689 2 by D J, on Flickr

 

IMG_0895 by D J, on Flickr

 

This area is right across the aisle from O'Sheehan's pub area.....same food and drink in a more traditional pub/restaurant setting....

 

IMG_0690 by D J, on Flickr

[graphicguy]

Ate once in the Garden Cafe for lunch. You know what you're going to get. Salads, veggies, burgers, hot dogs, usually a special. Is it fine dining? Nope. But, what they have is good and fresh. Only being there once, I don't know that I qualify to say it's easy to find a seat all the time, but it was for me. I think I ate there on the first full sea day.....probably 1 or 1:30.....

 

IMG_0699 by D J, on Flickr

 

IMG_0700 by D J, on Flickr

[graphicguy]

Overall, the food was excellent, with the exception of Shanghais. If you can not find something that's to your liking on the Getaway, you need to rethink cruising.

 

Haven Restaurant was as good as any Specialty Dining restaurant ON ANY cruise ship I've taken, ON ANY cruise line. Their service was wonderful.

 

The rest, Cagney's, Ocean Blu, Margaritaville, La Cucina..all were excellent. Service was great! Didn't make it to Le Bistro this go round. I don't think the menu has changed, though. Never been disappointed there, either.

 

I urge anyone to dine al fresco when the opportunity arises. That's one of the main advantages of the mega NCL ships.

[Smong]

Want to make mention for a moment about the service in the Haven, and in my opinion, what sets the Haven experience apart from the suite experiences of any other cruise line.

 

For example, I never pre-planned anything. Like magic, if I felt like going to a show, like Cirque, which sells out, all I had to do was contact my concierge and, like magic, I had front row seats for the evening's show....complete with an escort around the lines waiting to get in.

 

One night, I was sitting at the bar and decided I was hungry for a steak. Mentioned it to the concierge, and BOOM, a quick call was made. All I had to do was walk to Cagney's and ask for the manager and I was immediately seated.

 

Again, I planned NOTHING in advance.

 

In addition, any billing problems I had (will comment more on this in a moment), I voiced them to my concierge, I would walk away, and it was taken care of.

 

I keeping with the string of EXCELLENT concierges I've had on NCL, this is Anoop....

 

IMG_0759 by D J, on Flickr

 

He's one of a string of concierges I've had the distinct pleasure of knowing on NCL. Since he made most of the reservations (his assistant, I think Jefferson was his name), he knew where we were most of the time and checked up on me to make sure everything was to my satisfaction. This included the restaurants where I ate. If there was the hint of the problem, he remedied it immediately.

 

I can't stress enough how good NCL's concierges are. I see people say they barely talk to them. You're missing out on one of the major advantages of sailing in the Haven.

 

Anoop continues the outstanding service I've experienced from Adrian, to Virginia, to Elvina. Can't compliment them enough.

just saw this and have to agree 1000% first off Adrian was in my opinion the best! but i feel all the concierge have been excelent! going on getaway in nov and seeing you say how great Anoop is makes me excited!